Know When It’s Urgent
Today, you have more choices than ever when it comes to your family’s medical care—from your doctor’s office to urgent care centers and the emergency department. Understanding your options and the differences between them can save you time and money, while getting the quality care you and your family deserve. Know when to choose between:
Your Primary Care Physician
Primary care physicians perform basic diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses and medical conditions. When an ailment can wait for an appointment or you need the care of a physician who knows your medical history, a visit to your primary care physician is in order.
Choose to Visit Your Primary Care Physician When Experiencing:
- Mild depression, anxiety and loss/grief issues
- Health risk assessments
- Long-term illness such as diabetes, asthma, lupus, etc.
- Diagnostic testing
Urgent Care
Urgent care centers are designed to treat minor illnesses and injuries, while providing a full range of diagnostic services. With convenient hours, shorter visit times and lower costs, urgent care is appropriate for non-life-threatening issues that are unexpected and time sensitive.
Choose to Visit A Urgent Care Center When Experiencing:
- Cough, cold, and flu
- Sprains and strains
- Urinary tract infections
- Vomiting, dehydration and diarrhea
- Lacerations
Emergency Department
A visit to the emergency department is recommended for serious head, neck or back injuries, severe chest pain, heavy and uncontrollable bleeding or if bone protrudes from the skin. If you are unsure, visit the nearest emergency department.
Call 9-1-1 or Visit the Nearest Hospital Emergency Department When Experiencing:
- Difficulty breathing or choking
- Loss of consciousness
- Broken bone
- Severe allergic reactions
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop