Staying Healthy
Columbia United Providers (CUP) wants members to stay healthy by providing information about
- Preventive health care
- Immunizations
- After hours care
- Pregnancy care
- Chronic health conditions
What if I need care after hours?
Call your Primary Care Provider (PCP) first. Your PCP knows you and can usually get you the best care in the fastest time possible. If your PCP is not there, another doctor or nurse from the clinic will be able to help you. Even if the office is closed, there will be someone to take your call and help you decide what to do.
When should I go to the emergency room?
An emergency is when someone has a serious sudden or severe medical problem that needs care right away. It can also be care that is needed because you believe you or your child’s life or health is in danger.
- If you aren’t sure it is an emergency, call your PCP first to ask their advice or go to an urgent care center
- If you know it is an emergency, go to the emergency room or call 9-1-1 if the medical problem seems life threatening
To help make your decision, you should call your child's PCP anytime day or night.
FACT: Your PCP's office will call you back even in the middle of the night. They have after-hour services that will respond to your call right away.
FACT: More than half the people waiting in an emergency room could be better cared for by their PCP than in the emergency room.