Know Where to Go for Care
Unexpected illnesses and injuries can be challenging during concerning times. If you're uncertain whether to call your doctor's office, visit an urgent care or head to the local Emergency Department, use this guide to help find appropriate care.
Emergency Department
For serious situations, go directly to the nearest emergency location or call 911. Emergency services are for symptoms like the following:
- Chest pain
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Severe bleeding or burns
- Seizures
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Head injury or other major injury
- Loss of consciousness
- Sudden loss of vision or blurred vision
- Blue or purple lips, skin or fingernails
- Suicidal thoughts
- Any life-threatening situation
Urgent & Walk-In Care
For minor illnesses and injuries, urgent cares offer walk-in and scheduled appointments. A provider will assess, accurately diagnose and effectively treat your condition. On-site lab and radiology (x-ray) often provide extra convenience. Urgent care can assist with:
- Coughs, colds, sore throats
- Minor illness, injury or infection
- Fever or flu-like symptoms
- Rash or other skin irritations
- Ear pain
- Minor burns
- Sprains and strains
- Allergic reactions (non-life threatening)
- Mild asthma
- Animal bites
- Broken bones
Doctor's Office
While you may use your primary care provider's office most often for preventative care or help managing a chronic condition, they also can be a good place to start when experiencing minor illness symptoms. Providers often reserve a few appointments for more urgent issues and depending on your symptoms, they may be able to see you or help offer guidance in your next best care options.
If you don't have a primary care provider (PCP), establishing care for ongoing health needs is a great place to start. After the initial new patient exam, your provider will be familiar with your individual health record and can best guide unique care options based on your personal needs. Get started -- find a primary care provider today.
