Wellcare wants to help you provide the best care possible to your patients, our members. But we know there are times when you and your practice won’t be available to help them. Fortunately, your patients do have options for obtaining care after office hours or during weekends and holidays — options that don’t involve going to the Emergency Room (ER).
Please make sure your patients know about these options to help them receive the medical care they need 24-7, 365 day a year:
24/7 Nurse Advice Line
Call: 1-800-581-9952 (TTY 711)
Wellcare members can talk to a registered nurse any time — day or night with this free service. The 24/7 Nurse Advice Line offers quick, reliable advice for both mental and physical health concerns that are not life-threatening.
Virtual Care
Visit: Teladoc.com/wellcare
Wellcare offers virtual 24/7 care for non-emergency health issues. Teladoc offers medical advice via phone or video. Have your patients to set up an account at Teladoc.com/wellcare.
Naganat a Taripato
Call Member Services: 1-833-444-9088 (TTY 711)
Visit: Wellcare.com/florida
This is a good option for patients seeking in-person, after-hours care for a non-emergent injury or illness. Urgent Care can offer a variety of services that patients are often looking for like lab testing and imaging — without waiting at the ER. Wellcare members can find an in-network Urgent Care by visiting Wellcare.com/florida or by calling Member Services at 1-833-444-9088 (TTY 711).
Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room
Explain to members when they should seek out Urgent Care and when they should visit the Emergency Room:
- Urgent Care: Sprained or broken bone; an ear infection, sore throat, body pain with fever/wheezing; minor cuts and burns.
- ER: Thoughts of self harm/suicide; bleeding that won’t stop; drug overdose; severe pain; chest pain; coughing or vomiting blood.
Local Pharmacist
This is a good option for patients struggling with medication management or chronic conditions. If you have patients that frequently end up in the ER because of medication concerns, remind them that their pharmacist can also help, in-person or over the phone.
988 Suicide and Crisis Line
Call, Chat or Text: 988
Visit: 988lifeline.org
Patients who need immediate mental health assistance should call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides confidential help for mental health, drug use or suicidal concerns.
Questions
If you have any questions, please call Wellcare Provider Services at 1-855-538-0454 or visit the Secure Provider Portal. Our Provider Engagement staff can also help. Visit the Find Your Account Managertool to find who supports your specialty and region. Keep up with the latest Wellcare provider updates by reviewing and bookmarking Provider Bulletins.
