Skip the ER! You have options. | Texas Children's Health Plan

Texas Children's Health Plan

Skip the ER! You have options.

Don’t wait at the ER if you don’t have to.

The ER isn’t your only choice when you or your child need medical treatment quickly for a non-emergency. You have a variety of options to help you get the care you need in the right place at the right time.
 

24-Hour Nurse Help Line

To talk to a nurse about your health concerns 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, call the 24-Hour Nurse Help Line toll-free at 1-800-686-3831. The nurse can give you health information or tell you where you should go to get health services.
 
 
 

Texas Children's® Anywhere Care

Texas Children’s Anywhere Care allows you to have an online health care visit with a provider* for a non-emergency. Our providers can conveniently diagnose and, if necessary, write prescriptions for a variety of routine medical conditions. To learn more, visit texaschildrenshealthplan.org/anywherecare
 
 

Urgent Care Clinic

Urgent care clinics are open late and on weekends to treat non-emergency conditions. To see a full list of urgent care clinics close to you, visit texaschildrenshealthplan.org/urgentcare
 
 
 

Hospital Emergency Room or 911

If you or your child experience serious pain, seizures or are in an immediate life-or-death situation, you should go to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible or call 911.

Is it a Medical Emergency?

Find out below. Then decide what's your best option.

 

24-Hour Nurse Help Line (1-800-686-3831) or Texas Children’s Anywhere Care Urgent Care Clinic Emergency Room (ER) or 9-1-1

 

  • Allergic reactions

  • Cough, cold or congestion

  • Ear pain

  • Fever in children older than 8 weeks

  • Pink eye

  • Rashes

  • Skin infections

  • Sore throat

  • Vomiting and diarrhea

 

  • Asthma

  • Flu

  • Minor burns

  • Minor injuries from falls or sports

  • Sprains and strains

  • Urinary tract infection

 

  • Broken bones (with deformity)

  • Bleeding that won't stop

  • Extensive or complicated cuts or lacerations

  • Fainting or head injuries with loss of consciousness or disorientation

  • Fevers in children under 8 weeks

  • Loss or changes of vision

  • Procedures requiring a CT scan or sedation

  • Seizures without a previous diagnosis of epilepsy

  • Serious burns

  • Snake bites

  • Spinal injuries

  • Sudden changes in mental state

  • Sudden shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

  • Vomiting or coughing  up blood

 

* Texas Children’s Anywhere Care providers may include doctors and advanced practice providers.