Where to go for Care

Learn about where to go for care when you are sick or hurt.

If you are sick and need care that day

Call your doctor’s office:

Many clinics have appointments for same day care. Doctors are also on-call at night. This is the best place to get care if it is NOT an emergency.

Call a 24-hour nurse hotline:

Many insurance companies have their own hotline. Call your insurance company and ask what to do for treatment.

Your doctor or urgent care can help with these:

  • Earaches

  • Back pain

  • Fevers

  • Rashes

  • Minor cuts, burns, or injuries

  • Cough

  • Sore throat

  • Flu or cold symptoms

  • Sprains

  • Migraines

  • Headaches

Call to an urgent care clinic:

It usually takes less time than the emergency room and costs less. You don’t need an appointment. Call your insurance company to find a clinic near you, and make sure the clinic takes your insurance before you get care.

If you have a medical emergency, or if you life is in danger:

Call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room if your life is in danger.

Only go to the emergency room if it is an emergency. It’s the most expensive place to go when you’re sick and usually takes the most time.

If you have BadgerCare Plus, you will not have to pay for going to the E.R. if you have an emergency. If it is not an emergency, adults without children under age 19 will be charged $8 for each visit. BadgerCare Plus calls this a co-pay.

You can download a printable PDF of this information

Click the image to download a copy in English and Spanish.