BSWHP will provide benefits for medically necessary emergency care whether you are
temporarily out of the service area or within the service area. Emergency care is
defined as the sudden and unexpected onset of a condition of such a nature that a
prudent layperson, possessing an average knowledge of medicine and health, believes
their health could be jeopardized if they do not get immediate treatment. BSWHP will
approve or deny the requested post-stabilization treatment within one hour if
contacted by the provider or facility. Some examples of emergency conditions include
the following:
- Unusual or excessive bleeding
- Broken bone
- Acute abdominal or chest pain
- Loss of consciousness
- Suspected heart attack
- Sudden persistent pain
- Serious burn
- Poisoning
- Convulsions
- Difficulty in breathing
In all emergency situations, you are encouraged to seek care with the nearest
BSWHP-approved provider; however, if the time needed to reach a BSWHP-approved
provider might endanger your health, go to the nearest emergency room. Medically
necessary emergency care is covered. If you are hospitalized as a result of the
emergency, you should contact the BSWHP Health Services Division within 24 to 48
hours of any admission at 888.316.7947. Coverage for
continued treatment is assured when approval is obtained from the BSWHP Medical
Director through the Health Services Division. Emergency care in a hospital
emergency room requires a copay, which will be waived if hospital admission occurs
within 24 hours.
While a medical emergency is considered a life-threatening condition, urgent care is
considered less severe than an emergency, but requiring care more quickly than
elective care. Urgent care includes, but is not limited to, sudden illnesses and
injuries, lacerations and fever. BSWHP encourages you to access one of its Urgent
Care Clinics if you find yourself needing urgent care after hours. If you do not
know when to access an Urgent Care Clinic, please contact a BSWHP nurse through our
Nurse Advice Line at 877.505.7947.