Member Handbook for Parkland KIDSfirst and Parkland CHIP ...

(How Do I Get Medical Care after My/My Child’s PCP's Office Is
Closed?)
Call your child’s PCP during office hours when you can. If possible, do not wait until evening to
call to take care of a medical problem. Most illnesses tend to get worse as the day goes on. Call
early.
If your child gets sick at night or on a weekend and you cannot wait to get medical care, call
your child’s PCP for advice. Your child’s PCP or another doctor is available by phone 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week. To talk to a nurse, you may also call the Parkland 24-Hour Nurse Line toll
free at 1-800-357-3162 or 214-266-8766. The nurse can help you decide what to do. If your
child has a fever or a sore throat and you are not sure what to do, call your PCP’s office or call
the Parkland 24-Hour Nurse Line toll-free at 1-800-357-3162 or 214-266-8766.
What if I/My Child Gets Sick while We Are Out of
Town or Traveling Out of State? What if I/ My Child Is Out of the
Country?
If your child gets sick while he or she is out of town or out of state, call your child’s PCP at the
phone number listed on the front of your child’s Parkland KIDSfirst or Parkland CHIP Perinate
Newborn ID card. You may also call us at the number on the back of your child’s ID card and a
nurse will help you decide what to do. However, if your child is having an emergency, go to the
nearest ER. Remember to keep your child’s Parkland KIDSfirst or Parkland CHIP Perinate
Newborn ID card with you at all times. Also remember that Parkland KIDSfirst and Parkland
CHIP Perinate Newborn does not cover services outside of the U.S.A.
What if I/My Child Needs to See a Special Doctor (specialist)?
Your child’s PCP will tell you if your child needs to see a specialist. Your child’s PCP will make
sure that your child gets the special care he or she needs. In general, you cannot take your child to
another doctor or get a special service if your PCP does not agree to make a referral. A referral is
when your PCP sends your child to another doctor or service for care.
How soon can I/my child expect to be seen by a specialist?
Your child should be able to see the specialist within two (2) weeks for a routine appointment.
Your child should be seen within 24 hours if you have an urgent care appointment. You should
be seen the same day if you need emergency care.
What Is a Referral and What Services Do Not Need a Referral?
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