When you are sick or injured, it can be hard to think clearly. You may not know whether to call your doctor, schedule a video visit, go to urgent care or head to the emergency room.
That is why it helps to make a care plan before you need one.
A care plan is a simple list of where to go, who to call and what information to have ready when a health concern comes up. It can help you act faster, avoid confusion and get the right level of care at the right time.
If you or someone near you is having a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Why should you make a care plan?
Health concerns do not always happen at convenient times. You may wake up with a fever, twist your ankle over the weekend or need help managing a symptom that is getting worse.
Having a care plan can help you:
- Know where to go for different types of care
- Avoid delays when symptoms start
- Keep important health information in one place
- Help family members or caregivers make decisions
- Better understand your insurance coverage
- Feel more prepared during stressful moments
A care plan does not replace medical advice. It simply gives you a starting point when you need care.
Choose a primary care provider
A primary care provider is often your first stop for non-emergency health concerns. They can help with preventive care, routine checkups, medication refills and ongoing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma or anxiety.
Your primary care provider can also help you understand symptoms, order tests, refer you to specialists and follow up after an urgent care or emergency room visit.
If you do not have a primary care provider, choosing one before you are sick can make care easier later. When you already have a provider, it may be easier to get advice, schedule follow-up care and keep your health history in one place.
Know your urgent care options
Urgent care is for health concerns that are not life-threatening but still need attention soon. Many urgent care centers offer evening, weekend or holiday hours.
Urgent care may be a good choice for:
- Cold, flu or COVID-like symptoms
- Sore throat or ear pain
- Sinus infection symptoms
- Pink eye
- Minor cuts or burns
- Sprains or strains
- Possible simple fractures
- Rashes, bug bites or minor animal bites
- Urinary tract infection symptoms
- Vomiting or diarrhea without severe dehydration
As part of your care plan, find an urgent care location near your home, work or school. Check the hours, services, insurance coverage and whether you can save your spot online.
Know when to go to the emergency room
The emergency room is for serious or life-threatening symptoms and injuries. Emergency departments are open 24/7 and are prepared to treat severe illness, major injuries and symptoms that could become life-threatening.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for symptoms such as:
- Chest pain, pressure or tightness
- Signs of a stroke, such as face drooping, arm weakness or trouble speaking
- Severe trouble breathing
- Severe bleeding that will not stop
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Severe head injury
- Severe burns
- Sudden confusion
- Severe allergic reaction with trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips or throat
- Major injuries or broken bones
- Severe abdominal pain
- Thoughts of harming yourself or others
If you think you may be having a heart attack or stroke, do not drive yourself. Call 911.
Decide when virtual care may work
Virtual care can be helpful for certain health concerns, especially when you do not need a hands-on exam. A video visit may save time and help you get advice from home.
Virtual care may be useful for:
- Mild cold or allergy symptoms
- Medication questions
- Follow-up visits
- Some skin concerns
- Minor stomach issues
- Some mental health concerns
- Questions about whether you need in-person care
Virtual care is not right for emergencies. If your symptoms are severe, sudden or life-threatening, call 911 or go to the emergency room.
Keep your health information in one place
When you need care, it helps to have important information ready. Keep a written or digital list that is easy to find.
Include:
- Current medications and doses
- Vitamins and supplements
- Allergies
- Medical conditions
- Past surgeries
- Preferred pharmacy
- Primary care provider and specialists
- Emergency contacts
- Insurance information
- Recent test results, if available
If you care for a child, older adult or loved one with complex health needs, keep their information in one place too. This can be especially helpful during an urgent visit or emergency.
Understand your insurance basics
Insurance can affect where you go for care and what you may pay. Before you need care, take time to understand the basics of your plan.
Check:
- Which providers and facilities are in network
- Your copay for primary care, urgent care and emergency care
- Whether you need referrals for specialists
- Which labs, imaging centers and hospitals are covered
- Whether video visits are covered
- Whether your plan has a nurse line or care guidance tool
If you are unsure, call the number on your insurance card or check your plan’s website.
Make a plan for your family or caregivers
A care plan is helpful for everyone, but it can be especially important for families, caregivers and people managing chronic conditions.
Make sure trusted family members or caregivers know:
- Where your health information is stored
- Who your primary care provider is
- Which urgent care and ER locations you prefer
- What medications you take
- Who to call in an emergency
- What symptoms require immediate care
For children, make sure schools, babysitters or caregivers know who to contact and where to go if care is needed. For older adults, consider sharing the plan with adult children, caregivers or anyone who helps manage appointments.
Review your care plan once a year
Your care plan may change over time. Review it at least once a year or whenever you change insurance, move, choose a new provider, start a new medication or receive a new diagnosis.
Update your:
- Provider names and phone numbers
- Medication list
- Pharmacy
- Insurance information
- Emergency contacts
- Preferred care locations
A few minutes of updating can save time and stress later.
The bottom line
You cannot plan for every illness or injury, but you can make it easier to know what to do when something happens. A care plan helps you understand your options, keep important information ready and get the right care at the right time.
Need help finding care? Banner Health offers primary care, urgent care, emergency care and virtual care options to support your health when and where you need it.
Frequently asked questions about making a care plan
What is a care plan?
A care plan is a simple guide that helps you know where to go, who to call and what information to have ready when you need medical care. It can include your providers, medications, insurance details and preferred care locations.
Why do I need a care plan if I am healthy?
A care plan can help even if you are healthy. Illnesses and injuries can happen unexpectedly. Planning ahead can make it easier to get care quickly and avoid confusion when symptoms start.
What should be included in a family care plan?
A family care plan should include provider names, medication lists, allergies, insurance information, emergency contacts, preferred pharmacy and nearby care options such as primary care, urgent care and emergency care.
How often should I update my care plan?
Review your care plan at least once a year. You should also update it if you move, change insurance, choose a new provider, start or stop medications or receive a new diagnosis.
