Choosing the Correct Care When You Need It
Posted on October 7, 2021
As a Health New England member, you have many ways to access the health care you need, and we want to make sure you know all the options you have for choosing the correct care.
Primary Care Providers
We believe that having a primary care provider (PCP) is very important.* We encourage you to get an annual well-care visit with your PCP so that you can discuss ways to stay healthy, as well as how to manage any chronic conditions. Having this relationship with your PCP is the best thing you can do for your health.
Contact Your PCP First
For non-emergency medical issues, always contact your PCP first. Most of our in-network PCPs see their patients for non-emergency medical issues on a timely basis. In addition, many doctors’ offices now offer telehealth services if you can’t make it to an in-person visit.
If You Need Non-Emergency Care After Hours
Because medical problems may occur at any time, Health New England asks our network PCPs to make arrangements for calls and coverage 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Talk to your PCP ahead of time to find out about their after-hours care procedures. At times, you may reach your PCP’s answering service, or you may reach the doctor who is on call for your PCP.
Additional Options for Non-Emergency Care
Download this helpful Choosing the Correct Care Tip Sheet to learn what other options you have as a Health New England members, such as:
- Our free 24-hour Nurse Advice Line at (866) 389-7613
- Teladoc®, our telehealth service, at 1-800-Teladoc (835-2362) or Teladoc.com/HNE
- Walk-in health centers
- Urgent care centers
- And more
Remember, if you have an emergency and need immediate medical attention, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
*HMO plan members are required to select a PCP. PPO plan members are not required to select a PCP, but it is highly recommended to have a PCP for continuity of care, and for non-emergency care.
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