Know Where to Go: Get the Right Care at the Right Place at the Right Time

When you're feeling unwell or have an injury, knowing where to go for the best care can make all the difference. Choosing the right healthcare setting ensures you receive the appropriate treatment promptly and efficiently. Here's a guide to help you decide whether to visit your primary care provider, an urgent care center, or the emergency room.

Primary Care

Your primary care provider is your go-to for managing overall health and wellness. They offer a range of services, including:

• Prescription medication management
• Counseling
• Disease prevention
• Management of acute or chronic conditions (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and acid reflux)
• Pediatric care
• Screenings for diabetes, tuberculosis, and vision
• Vaccines and immunizations
• Wellness visits (annual checkups)

Primary care is ideal for routine health management, preventive care, and non-urgent medical issues.

Visit our primary care page for a list of our locations.

Urgent Care

Urgent care centers are designed to handle non-life-threatening conditions that require prompt attention. They cater to patients aged 2 and above and can address issues such as:

• Back pain
• Canker sores
• Common cold/upper respiratory infections
• Contagious skin infections
• COVID-19
• Ear infections
• Eczema
• Flu shots
• Foreign body in eye or nose
• Fungal infections
• Headaches (migraine and tension headaches)
• Hives
• Influenza
• Insect/bug bites
• Minor skin infections
• Physical exams
• Pink eye
• Poison oak/ivy
• Scabies or lice
• Seasonal allergies
• Shingles
• Sinus infections
• Strains and sprains
• Strep throat
• Sunburns
• Suture/staple removal
• Urinary tract infections
• X-rays

Urgent care is a convenient option for medical issues that need attention but are not severe enough to warrant an emergency room visit. Visit our urgent care page to see our four locations and a full list of services.

Emergency Department

The emergency room is for serious and life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical intervention. Situations that necessitate a trip to the ER include:

• Chest pain (symptoms of stroke or heart attack)
• Difficulty breathing
• Fainting
• Head injury with or without loss of consciousness
• Intoxicated or uncooperative patient
• Major bone fractures, cuts, or burns
• Severe abdominal pain
• Severe bleeding
• Severe headaches
• Severe pain of any kind
• Slurred speech or confusion
• Speech, hearing, or vision problems
• Suicidal or homicidal thoughts

In these cases, the emergency department is equipped to provide the critical care needed to address severe and potentially life-threatening conditions. See our locations here.

Help Us Help You

By understanding where to go for your healthcare needs, you can ensure you receive the right care at the right place at the right time. This not only helps you get the best possible treatment but also helps healthcare providers manage resources effectively.

Remember, when in doubt, it's always best to seek medical advice to determine the most appropriate course of action for your condition. We have a nurse advice line ready to help you make the right choice. You can reach them 7:00 a.m. to midnight, 365 days a year at 540.741.1000. Stay informed, stay healthy, and take care!