by Glenda Renz
With so many medical professional options available today, a common question we have all found
ourselves asking from time to time is what type of medical professional should I see and when should I
go see them. Some of the common options are primary care, urgent care, and emergency room care.
This is a great question that likely arises many times for individuals and families. Here are some tips for
you to use to help guide you on where to go for care and when.
Non-emergency issues that arise can be handled by your primary care provider. Primary care providers
also handle your preventative care needs, such as chronic care management and a variety of other
issues, including headaches, seasonal allergies, digestive concerns, rashes, and many other problems. If
you need a specialist for further evaluation and care, your primary care provider will help you get that
care as needed. Primary care providers also use an answering service to be able to take phone calls after
office hours and will be able to advise you even during hours when the office may be closed.
When an urgent issue arises, services often are available with hours extending beyond primary care. An
urgent need would be something that requires quick attention but is not life-threatening. Things that
may be typically treated at urgent care could include but are not limited to sprains, cuts requiring
stitches, minor fractures, moderate pain, and, when primary care is unavailable, illness/flu symptoms,
and rashes. For routine care and management of chronic conditions, your primary care provider will be
happy to assist you with those needs.
The emergency room (ER) should be utilized for true emergencies. This includes life-threatening
situations that require immediate care. Things of this nature may include but are not limited to severe
pain, heavy bleeding, serious head injuries, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, and many other
complex medical conditions. Emergency services are set up to quickly meet the needs of these serious
conditions. Reserving the emergency room services for true emergencies will help the medical
professionals provide the immediate, complex care needed for patients with life-threatening and high
level of care needs.
When making the decision that care is needed, knowing where to go can help you to receive the
appropriate care needed for the best health outcome. If the problem can wait for your primary care
provider, call to set a time to see your provider for an evaluation. If you do not have a primary care
provider, please consider making an appointment now to establish care while you are feeling well, as
any needed preventative care and immunizations can be recommended. Always err on the side of
caution, as urgent care and emergency providers have protocols set up to assess the urgency of your
medical need, so do not hesitate to seek care whenever needed.
