# Urgent and Emergency Care ## Urgent and Emergency Care As a HUGHP member, you’re always covered for urgent and emergency care at home and while traveling. For full coverage information and out-of-pocket cost details, please view your benefit description. [ View your benefit description. arrow\_circle\_right ](/benefit-summaries) ![Doctor fitting a splint to a patient's wrist.](/sites/g/files/omnuum11506/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/hughp/files/wrist_splint.jpg?itok=12Us1w0L) ## Urgent vs Emergency Care - What is the Difference? ### Urgent Care Urgent care is care that you need to prevent serious deterioration of your health when an unforeseen illness or injury occurs. In most cases, urgent care will be a brief assessment and treatment to stabilize your condition. A sprained ankle, an earache, and a sore throat are examples of illnesses and injuries that may require urgent care. Go to a nearby urgent care center when you need immediate, in-person help for a non-life-threatening problem and you can't get in to see your doctor. ### Emergency Care Emergency care is care that you need due to the sudden onset of a condition with acute symptoms, including severe pain. A suspected heart attack, stroke, broken bone, loss of consciousness, and a suicide attempt are examples of medical emergencies. Go to the nearest emergency room when you're facing a life-threatening situation or think you could put your health in danger by delaying care. ## Telehealth Video Visits for Urgent Care Receive medical and behavioral health care using your smartphone, tablet, or computer. [**Learn more about Telehealth Video Visits**](/telemedicine "Telemedicine"). --- ## ER Alternatives You should always go to the nearest ER in a life-threatening situation, but in other cases, even for urgent injuries, you have other options that can save you time and money. [**Learn more about Emergency Room alternatives**](https://myblue.bluecrossma.com/health-plan/emergency-room-alternatives). --- ## Finding a Doctor or Facility - **In Massachusetts:** Contact HUGHP Member Services at (617) 495-2008 or use the Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA [**Find-A-Doctor tool**](https://member.bluecrossma.com/fad). Your primary care physician may also have same-day urgent care appointments available to you. - **Outside of Massachusetts:** Contact Blue Cross Blue Shield at (800) 810-BLUE (available 24/7) for assistance in locating a health care provider. When you call, you should have your ID card ready. You may also search for a provider online through the Blue Cross Blue Shield [**National Doctor and Hospital Finder**](https://www.bcbs.com/member-services/find-a-doctor). --- ## Post Care Process Whether you receive urgent care inside or outside of Massachusetts, you should go to the nearest appropriate health care facility. If you receive care outside of Massachusetts, please call BCBSMA at (800) 257-8141 within 48 hours to request an out-of-the-area/out-of-state urgent care referral or contact HUGHP Member Services at (617) 495-2008, and we’d be happy to facilitate the request on your behalf. HUGHP will provide PCP/Plan Approved Benefits for one follow-up visit outside of your service area if you need it. This one follow-up visit does not need prior approval from Blue Cross and Blue Shield as long as you are still outside of your service area when you receive these services. When you have an emergency medical condition, you should go to the nearest medical facility or call **911** (or the local emergency number). **You do not need a referral for emergency room visits,** but all follow-up care must be coordinated by your primary care physician. ### Planned or Foreseen Care Outside of Massachusetts Examples of planned care include having your cholesterol checked, receiving a chemotherapy treatment, or receiving pregnancy care. **HMO members:** planned care is not covered for HMO Members outside of Massachusetts. **POS and POS Plus Members** are covered for planned or foreseen care outside of Massachusetts—however, this will result in higher out-of-pocket costs. You will be subject to the annual deductible and coinsurance, and you may be billed the difference between the provider’s actual charge and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts allowed amount. ## Get Help phone [### Call Us ](/contact-us)(617) 495-2008: Mon-Fri, 9:00 am-4:00 pm Closed for lunch, 1:00 pm-2:00 pm email [### Email Us ](mailto:mservices@huhs.harvard.edu)Email your questions to us. laptop [### Meet With Us ](/contact-us)Email your availability to request a virtual appointment with Member Services.