1. Home
  2. News and alerts
  3. Ways to access care    

High-quality care that’s always within reach

Alternative ways for members to access non-emergency care.

Illnesses and accidents rarely happen when it’s convenient, which is why Sharp Health Plan offers multiple ways for our members to easily and safely get the care they need. Here are a few alternative ways our members can access non-emergency care:

 
Virtual care

  • Video and phone visits
    Members can save themselves a trip to the doctor’s office for a medical concern or follow-up appointment by having a video or phone visit, also known as telehealth. We offer telehealth options for select medical groups for members with certain medical conditions, and for certain follow-up appointments. Members should contact their primary care physician (PCP) to learn more.

    Tip: Telehealth is also available for behavioral health appointments, with no referral necessary from your PCP.


 
Care without an appointment

  • Urgent care
    Urgent care centers treat a wide variety of illnesses and injuries. They are a good option for same-day care without an appointment. Members must go to an urgent care center within their plan medical group.

    Tip: Sharp Rees-Stealy now offers urgent care center wait times online.

    Tip: Sharp Community Medical Group now offers virtual urgent care. Please note, for these virtual visits, an appointment is required.
  • MinuteClinic®
    Located inside select CVS Pharmacy® stores, MinuteClinic provides convenient access to basic care from nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Available seven days a week, including evenings, members can use CVS’ clinic locator to find a location near them. 


 
Night and weekend care

  • Same-day, next-day and after-hours appointments
    Select doctors may offer same-day and next-day appointments as well as weekend and evening visits. Members should contact their PCP for more information.
  • After-hours nurse advice
    If it’s after hours or the weekend and a member needs medical advice, they can call Sharp Nurse Connection® to talk about their illness or injury with a registered nurse. Members can call 1-800-359-2002 from 5 pm – 8 am, Monday to Friday and 24 hours on weekends.

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, there may be times when our after-hours nurse advice line directs you to your PCP’s office for any medical questions or concerns. This is to ensure the quickest and best care possible when they’re experiencing high call volumes.


 
Care when traveling

  • Emergency travel services
    When traveling 100 miles or more away from home or in another country, our emergency travel services partner connects members to doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and other health care services. We also offer prescription assistance, referrals for interpretation and legal services, pre-trip information, as well as assistance with lost luggage, documents and personal belongings.


Highest member-rated health plan in California.*

*Among reporting CA plans. Due to COVID-19, NCQA will not release 2020–21 Health Plan Ratings for any product line. Based on 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 NCQA Quality Compass CAHPS results. Quality Compass is a registered trademark of NCQA. CAHPS is a registered trademark of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).