Methodist First Call

When you need health advice.

(309) 672-4545

365 days/ year
7:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.

• Free
• Quick
• Confidential

A health advice phone line open to the general public, the Registered Nurses on our First Call team follow doctor-approved recommendations when giving you advice.

Nurse Advice

The nurse will talk with you about your symptoms, discuss treatment options and offer guidance to help you get the level of medical care you need.  If the nurse advises you to go to the Methodist Emergency Department, a record of your call will be faxed to the Emergency Department to let the staff know you are coming and why.

Find a Doctor

A First Call nurse can help you find a doctor (primary care or specialist) who's right for you and your family.  You can ask the nurse to "search" for a doctor by name, specialty, city, or location within a city.

Health Information

A First Call nurse can provide you with a wide range of health information, from how to treat a cold to what health education events are coming up at Methodist.

Prescription Refills

When you need refills on essential medications after office hours, the First Call nurses can contact your doctor (or the physician on call) to get your prescriptions refilled. (Medications for pain, anxiety, sleep or smoking cessation are not considered to be essential.)

Live Internet Chats

You can "chat" with a First Call nurse using any computer with an internet connection. Just scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on "Chat with us."

When should you call?

You may call with any medical question, but people usually call for reasons like these:

• You have a sick child and don’t know what to do
• You need advice on how to treat a health problem or ease your symptoms (cuts, flu, cold, backache, etc.)
• You are not sure whether you need to see a doctor

What services are not offered by Methodist First Call?

No diagnosis is ever provided on the phone. The nurse listens to your concerns, and if you need a doctor, the nurse can recommend one.

What should you do in an emergency?

If you have an emergency, such as chest pain or poisoning, call 911.

Please note: Our nurses can only assist patients who live in our Central Illinois service area.  If you are outside our service area, please call your local physician or hospital.