When you’re feeling unwell or facing a health concern, it’s important to know where to seek care. Depending on the situation, there are several options for receiving medical attention, including urgent care centers, emergency rooms (ER), and your primary care physician’s office. Understanding the differences between these care settings can help you make the best choice for your health and avoid unnecessary wait times and expenses.

Tips to know where to get care

Your Doctor’s Office: Routine Care and Ongoing Health Needs

Your primary care physician’s office is the best place to go for routine health maintenance, preventive care, and ongoing health concerns. Annual check-ups, chronic condition management (such as diabetes or high blood pressure), vaccinations, and preventive care are all typically handled at your doctor’s office. If you’re experiencing mild symptoms like a cold, seasonal allergies, or needing medication refills, your doctor’s office should be your first call.  Your primary care physician knows your health history and can provide personalized care to meet your specific needs.

As a reminder, EIM Choice Care concierge medicine practice offers same or next-day appointments to patients and 24/7 connection with your primary care provider to help answer questions about your health. (But of course, go to the emergency room if you are experiencing a life-threatening medical issue.)

Urgent Care: Non-Life-Threatening, Immediate Care

Urgent care centers are designed to treat non-life-threatening conditions that require prompt attention but aren’t serious enough to require an emergency room (ER) visit. Common conditions treated at urgent care include minor injuries, sprains, fractures, fever, sore throat, or a simple infection. Nowadays, many urgent care centers are affiliated with local health systems so there is the convenience of having your electronic medical record available for the on-site provider to review past health issues that may be relevant for your current condition. These facilities are often open outside of regular business hours, making them a convenient option when you need care in the evenings or weekends. However, if your symptoms are more severe or you suspect something more serious, it’s always best to visit the ER or contact your doctor immediately.

If you do visit an urgent care center, be sure to let them know who your primary care provider is so your regular doctor is alerted that you’ve been seen at this site and can follow up on your care if needed.

Emergency Room (ER): Critical, Life-Threatening Situations

The emergency room is where you should go for life-threatening or severe medical emergencies. If you’re experiencing symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, stroke-like symptoms, or other critical issues, the ER provides immediate care with specialized equipment and medical staff trained for urgent, high-risk situations. ER visits are typically more expensive than visits to urgent care or a doctor’s office and wait times can be long due to the nature of emergencies being treated.

A reminder that If you do visit the emergency room, be sure to let them know who your primary care provider is so your doctor is alerted that you’ve been seen at this site and can follow up on your care if needed.

When to Choose Each Option

• Primary Care Physician’s Office: For regular check-ups, chronic condition management, preventive care, and general health concerns.
• Urgent Care: For minor injuries, infections, or illnesses that need immediate attention but aren’t life-threatening.
• Emergency Room: For serious, life-threatening conditions that require immediate, specialized care.

Choosing the right option for care can make a difference in how quickly you receive treatment and how much you’ll pay. Understanding when to visit your doctor’s office, urgent care, or the emergency room will help ensure that you’re receiving the right care in the right setting. If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to your physician’s office for guidance—they’re always here to help you make the best decision for your health.

Need more help?

Click here to learn more about EIM Choice Care concierge medicine practice, which includes 24/7 access to Dr. Neisch, our primary care provider, and same or next-day appointments.