Choosing the right care: When to visit urgent care, primary care or the ER

When unexpected health issues come up, determining the best place for care can feel overwhelming. Should you see your primary care provider, visit an urgent care clinic or make a trip to the emergency room (ER)? Understanding which site of care to visit will help you receive the correct treatment in a timely manner.

Primary care: for your long-term healthcare needs

Your primary care provider (PCP) is your go-to for non-urgent health concerns and ongoing care. They build a relationship with you and help manage your overall health. PCPs are best for:

• Preventive care: Routine physicals, immunizations and screenings to keep you healthy
• Chronic conditions: Managing diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure or asthma
• Mild illnesses: Treating colds, mild flu symptoms or minor infections
• Non-urgent concerns: Addressing things like skin rashes, minor aches or dietary guidance

Because your PCP knows your health history, they can offer personalized care and refer you to specialists if needed. However, PCPs often require appointments in advance, so they may not be the best option for sudden or urgent issues.

Emergency room: For life-threatening conditions

Emergency rooms are designed to handle severe, life-threatening conditions. They’re open 24/7 and have specialists and advanced technology ready to treat critical issues. You should go to the ER for:

• Chest pain or heart attack symptoms: Shortness of breath, sweating or pain radiating to the arm or jaw
• Signs of a stroke: Sudden weakness, facial drooping or trouble speaking
• Severe injuries: Such as deep cuts, major fractures or burns
• Difficulty breathing: Including severe asthma attacks or allergic reactions
• Head trauma: Especially if there’s confusion, unconsciousness, or vomiting

Keep in mind there may be other symptoms that justify a trip to the ER, depending on your symptoms and situation. ERs are equipped to manage these emergencies, but they can be costly and involve long waits for less critical cases since patients are prioritized based on the severity of their condition.

Urgent care: The right care at the right time

Urgent care clinics like MD Now® are here to fill the gap when you need timely care, but not for a life-threatening emergency. With convenient locations across Florida and extended hours, we’re ready to help with:

• Flu-like symptoms: Fever, sore throat and earaches
• Minor injuries: Sprains, cuts that may need stitches or small burns
• Infections: Urinary tract infections (UTIs), sinus infections or mild respiratory issues
• Allergic reactions: Mild cases without breathing problems
• Skin issues: Rashes, bug bites or minor irritations
• Required testing: Work or sports physicals, drug/alcohol tests and diagnostic tests
• Vaccinations: Protecting against flu, hepatitis, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and more

Urgent care is faster and more affordable than a trip to the ER, and many services are available on a walk-in basis. At MD Now, we also offer on-site diagnostic tools like X-rays and lab tests, so you can receive comprehensive healthcare during hours designed to work for you.

Deciding where to go

Knowing where to seek care depends on the severity of your symptoms. Here are some general guidelines:

• Primary care: Best for non-urgent issues, preventive care or managing ongoing health concerns
• Urgent care: Ideal for non-life-threatening but pressing health problems that need same-day attention
• ER: Necessary for severe or life-threatening emergencies that require immediate and comprehensive treatment

Key factors to consider

• Severity: If symptoms are life-threatening or rapidly worsening, go to the ER. For less severe concerns, urgent care or your PCP is a better fit.
• Cost: ER visits are typically the most expensive option. Urgent care clinics like MD Now and PCP visits are more cost-effective for non-emergencies.
• Wait time: ERs prioritize severe cases, which can mean longer waits for less critical issues. Urgent care centers often see patients through walk-ins, while PCP visits usually require an appointment.
• Availability: The ER is open 24/7 while urgent care centers offer extended hours, including evenings and weekends. PCPs generally operate during standard business hours.

Making the best choice for your health

Understanding the differences between primary care, urgent care and the ER can help you make informed decisions when health issues arise. For non-urgent or unexpected but non-life-threatening concerns, MD Now urgent care offers physician-led treatment and convenient walk-in care. When it comes to your health, having the right resources at your fingertips can make all the difference.

About MD Now® urgent care

MD Now® urgent care is Florida’s largest urgent care operator with 110 state-of-the-art clinics conveniently located across Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Duval, Hendry, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Orange, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Saint Lucie, Sarasota, Seminole, and Volusia Counties. MD Now Urgent Care’s physician-led team of healthcare professionals provides high-quality healthcare through a comprehensive lineup of urgent care and occupational health services during convenient hours. MD Now urgent care is proud to be affiliated with HCA Florida Healthcare. For more information, visit the MD Now website.