There are many available options for your health care needs, and knowing where to go is important when you are presented with a choice. Factors like severity and immediacy of the health issue are considerations as you seek medical attention. Use this guide to help direct you to the appropriate option for your health care needs.
Primary Care: If you seek medical care that is not an emergency, it is best to schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor as they know your health history.
Urgent Care: If your primary care doctor is unavailable and you are experiencing a non-life threatening illness, urgent care is an option for health problems that cannot wait.
Virtual Visit: If you are experiencing a common health issue, a virtual visit using your smart- phone or computer is a convenient option to get in contact with a doctor.
Hospital/Emergency Room: If your health or life are at risk, call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency room to receive immediate care.
Use this guide to best determine where to go for medical care.
| Conditions | Primary Care | Virtual Visit | Urgent Care | Hospital / Emergency Room |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Routine health exam | X | |||
| Sports, school and employment physicals | X | |||
| Mild asthma | X | X | X | |
| Minor headaches | X | X | X | |
| Sprains, strains | X | X | X | |
| Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea | X | X | X | |
| Bumps, cuts, scrapes | X | X | X | |
| Burning with urination | X | X | X | |
| Cough, sore throat | X | X | X | |
| Ear and sinus pain | X | X | X | |
| Eye swelling, irritation, redness or pain | X | X | X | |
| Minor allergic reactions | X | X | X | |
| Minor fevers, colds | X | X | X | |
| Rashes, minor burns | X | X | X | |
| Vaccinations | X | X | ||
| Back pain | X | X | ||
| X-rays | X | |||
| Animal bites | X | |||
| Minor fractures | X | |||
| Stitches | X | |||
| Cut or wound that won’t stop bleeding | X | |||
| Any life-threatening or disabling condition including difficulty breathing | X | |||
| Sudden or unexplained loss of consciousness | X | |||
| Chest pain, numbness in the face, arm or leg, or difficulty speaking | X | |||
| Severe shortness of breath | X | |||
| High fever with stiff neck, mental confusion or difficulty breathing | X | |||
| Coughing up or vomiting blood | X | |||
| Major injuries | X | |||
| Possible broken bones | X | |||
| Severe broken bones | X | |||
| Seizures | X | |||
| Sever abdominal pain | X | |||
| Severe burns | X | |||
| Severe headache | X | |||
| Blurred vision | X | |||
| Choking | X | |||
| Poisoning | X |