Emergency room guidelines
 Emergencies happen. Broken bones. Trouble breathing. Even poisoning. Children's Community Health Plan wants to prepare its members for these types of events.
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency room. For accidental ingestion questions, please call the Wisconsin Poison Center at (800) 222-1222.
When to visit the emergency room
Emergency care is care that is needed right away. You need to go to the emergency room if you think your life is in danger due to injury or sudden illness.
You need emergency care for:
- Serious broken bones.
- Gun or knife wounds.
- Severe or unusual bleeding that will not stop.
- Severe burns.
- Heart attack or severe chest pain.
- Suspected stroke.
- Sudden inability to see, move or speak.
- Choking or trouble breathing.
- Possible poisoning.
- Unconsciousness.
- Convulsions or prolonged, repeated seizures.
- Going into labor.
- Drug overdose.
- Major injuries.
- Severe pain.
When to visit urgent care
Urgent care is care you need sooner than a routine visit to a doctor. Urgent care is not emergency care. Urgent care is for illnesses or injuries that you would normally receive care for at your regular doctor's office. Urgent care clinics are available when most other doctors' offices are closed. Do not go to an emergency room for urgent care unless your doctor instructs you to do so.
You may need urgent care for:
- Ear infections with pain and/or fever.
- Sore/strep throat.
- Cold/flu.
- Repeated vomiting and diarrhea (especially in babies and small children).
- Non-severe bleeding.
- Minor burns or cuts.
- Hives/rash/diaper rash.
- Bruises or sprains.
- Lice, scabies or ringworm.
- Drug reactions.
If you are not sure whether you should go to the emergency room or to urgent care, you can call your doctor or Children's Community Health Plan's Nurse line for assistance.
Download a brochure to find out more about when to visit the emergency room or urgent care (PDF).
About our Nurse Line
 Children's Community Health Plan's Nurse Line is our system for answering your health care questions. We have nurses on duty, 24/7 to answer your questions. Call toll-free to (877) 257-5861.
When should I use Children's Community Health Plan Nurse Line?
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Before you go to the emergency room.
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For any general health questions or concerns.
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If your child has a fever.
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If your child sprains an ankle.
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If you need help deciding where to go for help.
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If you have a skin irritation or rash.
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If your child has a scrape or cut.
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Anytime you have a question about where to go for your health care.
Why should I use Children's Community Health Plan Nurse Line?
Who will answer my health care questions?
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Trained nurses answer all of your questions.
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They may ask you to describe the symptoms or problems you are having.
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They will help you decide how to get the best treatment possible for you and your family.
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They can help you understand how to access care through Children's Community Health Plan.
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