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Your Guide to Getting Care with Buckeye 

Your Guide to Getting Care with Buckeye

At Buckeye Health Plan, we’re here to help you feel your best — every day. When you’re sick, hurt or just unsure, knowing where to go for care can save time, money and stress.

Different places offer different kinds of care. As your guide to better health, Buckeye is here to help you figure out where to go and when to go. Plus we are here to support you every step of the way.

Know Your Options

Care Option

Go Here For

When to Go

Doctor’s Office (PCP)

Your doctor is your main healthcare provider. Call the office to schedule a visit if you don’t need immediate medical care. Appointments may be available in-person or from the comfort of your home with telehealth.

  • Wellness visits
  • Managing chronic conditions
  • Flu, colds, minor illnesses
  • Weekdays for routine or non-urgent needs

In-Store Clinic

These in-person clinics are staffed by physician assistants or nurse practitioners. Use when your doctor’s office is closed and for minor health needs.

  • Sore throat
  • Ear pain
  • Minor colds
  • Evenings or weekends when your doctor’s office is closed

Urgent Care

Use urgent care when your doctor’s office is closed and you have a sudden, non-life threatening health need.

  • High fevers
  • Sprains
  • Vomiting
  • Ear infections
  • When you need quick care but it’s not an emergency

Emergency Room (ER)

Consider all your options before going to the emergency room or calling 911. Use emergency care for serious and life-threatening medical conditions.

  • Trouble breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Serious injuries
  • Seizures
  • Anytime for life-threatening or serious conditions

24/7 Nurse Advice Line

Call to talk to an experienced, caring nurse at any time when you are sick or have questions about your health and aren’t sure what to do.

Call Buckeye at 1-866-246-4358 and press 2 for Member Services. Then stay on the line and press 5 to connect with the Nurse Advice Line.

  • Questions about symptoms or medications
  • Help deciding where to go
  • Anytime — especially when you’re unsure what to do

988 Suicide and Crisis Line

Call 988 or text for quick confidential mental health support.

  • Help managing symptoms
  • Questions about medications and side-effects
  • Help with discharge instructions
  • Concerns about mental health
  • Help with understanding if you need in-person care quickly
  • Anytime — especially when you’re unsure what to do

 

911 Emergency

Only call 911 when someone is in danger or needs immediate help due to illness or injury. These medical emergencies include chest pain, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, severe bleeding, stroke symptoms, allergic reactions or any situation where a person’s life is in immediate danger.

Not Sure Where to Start?

Here’s what to consider:

  • Can it wait for a doctor visit, or do you need help now?
  • Is it after hours or a weekend?
  • Do symptoms seem serious, like chest pain or trouble breathing?

Call Buckeye’s Nurse Advice Line anytime for free help understanding your symptoms and next steps. To reach the Nurse Advice Line, call Buckeye at 1-866-246-4358 and press 2 for Member Services. Then stay on the line and press 5 to connect with the Nurse Advice Line.

Woman with headset looks at laptop computer 

Buckeye encourages members to establish a relationship with a primary care doctor (PCP) they know and trust. See them once a year for an annual well visit and when you are sick. Going to the same doctor helps you:

  • Be comfortable discussing your health concerns
  • Stay on track with wellness visits and vaccines
  • Catch small issues before they get big
  • Manage long-term conditions like diabetes or asthma
  • Get referrals to specialists or mental health providers

Use our Find a Doctor tool to find a PCP who fits your needs — like being close to home or speaking your language.

Buckeye makes it easier to make and keep healthcare appointments with:

  • Free rides to appointments, the pharmacy, job interviews and more
  • Reminders for checkups, vaccines and follow-ups
  • Support teams to help manage complex health needs

Need help scheduling? Call Member Services at 1-866-246-4358 for support.

Before your visit:

  • Write down any health-related questions or
    concerns
  • Make a list of your medicines
  • Bring your Buckeye ID card to show proof of
    insurance

During your visit:

  • Ask questions—your doctor is there to help
  • Take notes or bring someone with you
  • Share how you’ve been feeling, even small changes

After your visit:

  • Follow the doctor’s advice
  • Fill your prescriptions and ask the pharmacist if you have questions about how and when to take each medication
  • Schedule follow-up visits or tests
  • Call Buckeye if you have questions about your treatment plan or need help with next steps

Man sits and talks with doctor.