Know where to go for medical care
Your guide to getting the right care at the right place and at the right time.
Urgent care centers are popping up everywhere. And retail clinics are in drugstores and supermarkets. That makes it easier than ever to get the care you need.
But how do you know if it’s okay to wait a day or two for an appointment with your doctor? Or whether you should rush to the emergency room (ER)?
Each one offers a different level of care and expertise. The right choice can save you time and money. Here’s a simple overview of where to go and when.
When to visit your primary care provider
First, you should see your primary care provider (PCP) at least once a year for a checkup. It’s needed even if you feel fine.
Your PCP can:
- Discuss any ongoing concerns about your health
- Arrange care between different specialists
- Help you manage your health in a way that works for you
Besides routine checkups, your PCP should be the first place you call when:
- You want a prescription refilled
- You need help managing a chronic condition
- You’ve come down with a bug
“As long as a patient isn’t in critical condition or very ill, it is always good to try to get ahold of your primary care doctor first,” says Phillip Kadaj, M.D. He’s an internist in Midland, Michigan. “Not only does your primary care doctor know you, they may be able to see you instead of going to urgent care, the ER or a retail clinic. Good primary care relationships have been shown to reduce costs and improve care for both patients and health systems.”
One common problem, though: Doctor offices are usually open only on weekdays. But many doctors have an after-hours answering service you can call. Aetna® members also have access to a 24-hour Nurse Line. These are good options if you have a pressing health concern at night or on the weekend.
Don’t have a PCP? See if there is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) near you. FQHCs are primary care clinics that accept Medicaid patients. They are often in rural areas where it’s sometimes harder to find health care centers.
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When to visit a retail health clinic
Have a cold, sore throat or sprained elbow? Can’t get an appointment with your doctor? A retail health clinic might be the next best option.
Many retail clinics don’t require an appointment. They see patients on a first-come, first-served basis. The wait time will depend on how many other people are ahead of you. If you can make an appointment, it’s a good way to hold your spot in line.
Retail clinics might not have a doctor on staff. They’re usually staffed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants. They can:
- Treat minor injuries
- Diagnose common ailments
- Check blood pressure
- Give immunizations (such as the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine)
- Prescribe or refill medication
Have a more serious illness or injury? A retail clinic may not be the best choice. And, some retail clinics don’t treat kids. Call ahead before you go to make sure you’ll be able to get the care you need.
Many retail clinics, like a MinuteClinic®, are in or near pharmacies. That makes picking up your medicines very easy. Some retail clinics also have a specialty area, such as optometry, orthopedics or mental health.
When to visit an urgent care center
Like retail clinics, urgent care centers often don’t require an appointment. But many of them will let you book one ahead of time. That can cut down your wait time.
Unlike retail clinics, urgent care centers do have a doctor on staff. And they can diagnose and treat more health issues. For example, they may have X-ray machines and can treat broken wrists or ankles.
Besides broken bones, you can go to an urgent care center for:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rashes
- Fever
- Cuts that require stitches
“Urgent care is one step below the ER,” Dr. Kadaj says. “They generally have providers that are well-trained to handle a wide range of conditions. But they may not have the equipment to diagnose and treat things like heart attacks, strokes or major trauma.”
Urgent care should not be confused with an emergency room. It is not meant to care for life-threatening emergencies.
When to visit the emergency room (ER)
“If you think that your condition might cause death or disability in the very near future, please go to the ER,” says Grace Chen O’Neil, MD. She’s a fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians. Same goes if you think you will probably have to have surgery or be admitted to the hospital for the treatment of a condition, adds Dr. O’Neil.
Go to the ER right away if you have:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Sudden changes in mental ability
- Slurred speech
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- A major broken bone
- A head injury
- Sudden loss of vision
- Seizures
What about 911? If you’re in a life-threatening situation or are alone and can’t drive yourself to the ER, call 911. For example, if you have chest pain, call 911 — it could signal a heart attack. Same goes if you’re having any symptoms of stroke, including:
- Facial drooping
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arms or legs
- Sudden difficulty with vision
- Sudden confusion or difficulty speaking
- Sudden loss of coordination or balance
If any of these symptoms occur, it’s best to call 911. “Even if in the company of others, it is always safer to call 911,” says Paul Coyne. He works for the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. And he's currently the vice president of clinical practice and chief nursing informatics officer. “Paramedics can begin treatment right away. In a cardiac arrest, this can mean the difference between survival or death.”
But if you’re not having a true emergency, it’s best to avoid the ER. For one thing, ERs take patients in order of severity. So you could end up waiting a very long time before you see a doctor.
Where should I go if…
Let’s look at some examples of medical problems, and what’s the best choice for care.
1. You’ve sliced your hand and may need stitches.
Go to urgent care. They can check to make sure there’s no nerve or tendon damage and stitch you up, if you need it.
2. You’ve spotted a strange freckle or mole.
Talk to your PCP. They can see if the mark is a problem and refer you to a dermatologist (if you need one).
3. You slipped and fell on your arm, and you’re worried it’s broken.
Go to urgent care. Many centers can give you an X-ray and cast (if it’s broken). Plus, you can get a prescription for pain medicine if you need it.
4. You banged your head and lost consciousness (blacked out).
Go to the ER. You may need more advanced scans to check for serious injury. The providers there can prescribe medicine if you need it.
5. You’re having sudden confusion and weakness in your face, arm or leg.
These could be signs of a stroke. Call 911 right away.
