Where do you go to get care when you have flu symptoms? What about when you have a broken bone? With all the healthcare options, it can be confusing to figure out when to go where. We’ve put together a list of the different types of healthcare locations along with descriptions of when to go to each one.
Primary Care
Primary care clinics are where you see your doctor for wellness checks to keep your body healthy. Primary care doctors perform checkups and vaccinations and diagnose non-life-threatening conditions. You need an appointment to visit primary care.
You should go to the primary care doctor for things like annual vaccinations, sports physicals, and mild flu symptoms with no fever or rash.
Urgent Care
Urgent care clinics help when you do not need to go to the emergency room, but you cannot wait for an appointment with primary care. Urgent care clinics take walk-ins and are open day and night.
You should go to urgent care for things like sprains or strains, abdominal pain, and vomiting or diarrhea.
Emergency Room
Emergency rooms are located at hospitals where medical staff is available day and night to perform life-saving procedures. They serve the entire community. If you’re not experiencing severe symptoms, consider a primary care or urgent care clinic.
You should go to the emergency room for things like broken bones, seizures, and severe cuts that need stitches.
