When you’re sick or injured, you want to feel better as soon as possible. But the emergency room may not always be the best place to start.

For many common health concerns, Sutter Health Plan members have other options that can be more convenient and may save time and money, depending on your benefits.

Not sure where to go? Call a nurse first.

If you aren’t sure what type of care you need, call the 24/7 Sutter Health Plan Nurse Advice Line at 855-836-3500. A registered nurse can answer questions about medical concerns and help you determine the right level of care for your needs.

Need to be seen in person today?

Start with your doctor’s office, even if your primary care physician’s (PCP) calendar looks full. Many offices have same-day appointment availability or may have another clinician who can see you.

Sutter Walk-In Care can also help with concerns such as colds, coughs and flu, allergies, ear and sinus infections, fever, minor sprains and strains, and rashes or skin conditions. In the Greater Sacramento Area, Sutter Walk-In Care is open to everyone age 18 months and older every day, although hours and availability vary.

Urgent care is another option for non-emergency concerns that need prompt attention, such as back pain, cold and flu, fever, mild asthma, sprains and strains, cuts requiring stitches, belly pain and vomiting, and most injuries. Members have access to in-network urgent care locations, including Sutter pediatric urgent care, while in the Sutter Health Plan service area. When you are outside of the Sutter Health Plan service area, you have access to any urgent care location.

Many in-network urgent care locations are open after regular business hours. At participating Sutter locations, On My Way also lets the clinic know you’re arriving soon.

Stay home and see a Sutter clinician.

Sometimes the most convenient doctor’s visit is the one that doesn’t require leaving home.

Through My Health Online, members have flexible video visit options, including 24/7 On-Demand Video Visits with a Sutter clinician for members age 18 months and older. You can start a visit with the next available clinician for common concerns such as colds, coughs and flu, allergies, fever, nausea, eye irritation and many rashes or skin conditions.

My Health Online also offers the ability to schedule a convenient video visit with a Sutter clinician.

Learn more about video visits.

When it is an emergency, don’t wait.

The emergency room is the right choice for a true medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for concerns such as chest pain, trouble breathing, unconsciousness, severe allergic reactions, major burns or bleeding, broken bones, head injuries or other life-threatening illnesses or injuries. Sutter Health Plan members can receive emergency care at any facility, in or out of the plan network, without a referral.

A good first question: “What care do I need right now?”

Choosing the right care setting can mean greater convenience and may help you avoid unnecessary costs. Your specific costs depend on your benefits, so log into your Member Portal and check your Sutter Health Plan Evidence of Coverage and Disclosure Form and Benefits and Coverage Matrix for information about coverage and cost.