Sick This Cold and Flu Season? Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Helps Members Get the Right Care, Right Away

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – As temperatures drop and people spend more time indoors, cold, flu, COVID-19 and RSV viruses begin to circulate more widely in our communities. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is encouraging members to understand their care options before illness strikes.

Choosing the right care setting can help members receive appropriate treatment more quickly and pay potentially lower out-of-pocket costs. Excellus BCBS offers a variety of resources that make it easier for members to get care when and where they need it.

"When you're feeling sick, your first call should be to the doctor who knows you best," said Lisa Y. Harris, M.D. vice president and Rochester region chief medical officer. "Your primary care provider understands your health history and can help determine the most appropriate treatment. And when your doctor's office isn't available, know that as a member of Excellus BCBS, you have convenient options that can connect you with care quickly."

The Right Care at the Right Time: A Guide to Member Options

Primary Care Provider (PCP)
For non-emergent symptoms such as fever, congestion, sore throat, cough, body aches, or ear pain, members should contact their primary care provider first. Many physician offices offer same-day appointments, after-hours support, or virtual visits. This is also true for children – a pediatrician can help parents assess symptoms and determine appropriate next steps.

24/7 Nurse Call Line
Members can call 1-877-222-1240 (TTY 711) any time, day or night, to speak with a registered nurse for guidance about symptoms, medications, and the most appropriate place to seek care.

Telemedicine
Telemedicine means fast, convenient access to board-certified providers through a smartphone, tablet, or computer. These virtual visits can be a good option for many common illnesses, including colds, flu-like symptoms, sinus infections, and other non-emergency conditions. Visit Virtual Care for details.

Urgent Care
When a primary care provider is unavailable, urgent care centers can treat non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries that require prompt attention. Many urgent care centers also offer extended evening and weekend hours.

Emergency Room (ER)
Emergency rooms should be reserved for serious or life-threatening medical emergencies, including chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, major injuries, uncontrolled bleeding, or signs of stroke.

• Last year, about 1 in 4 ER visits for Excellus BCBS members was for an ailment that could have been treated by a primary care or urgent care provider.

Be Prepared Before Illness Strikes
Excellus BCBS encourages you to:

• Stay up to date on vaccinations, including flu, COVID-19, and any others your doctor recommends for you.
• Know where your nearest in-network urgent care center is located.
• Save and keep telemedicine and nurse call line information handy so you have it when you need it.
• Establish a relationship with a primary care provider if you don’t have one.
• Review your health plan benefits and available care options.

By understanding care choices and seeking care in the most appropriate setting, members can get the care they need while helping ensure emergency departments remain available for those facing true medical emergencies.

Contact:
Lynn Wesley Burton Lynn.Wesley@excellus.com.