Where should I go - My Doctor/PCP, Urgent Care, or ER?

Getting the right care at the right place saves you time, money, and stress. Use the following guide to help you make the appropriate decision for getting the care you need. 

Primary Care Provider (PCP)

A PCP is your main doctor and someone you have an established relationship with and knows you best. A PCP can help with:

• Check-ups and physicals
• Colds, coughs, sore throat
• Medication refills
• Managing existing health conditions

Why Your PCP is going to be your best choice most of the time:

• They know your health history and patterns
• You build trust and a relationship with them over time.
• They can refer you to specialists for complex concerns
• Unlike the emergency room or urgent care, they are less “pressed for time”/won’t rush through decisions or try to get you out the door.

Urgent Care

Urgent care can get you quick support if your PCP is closed or you cannot get an appointment with your PCP in time. Use urgent care when needed for:

• Minor cuts/burns
• Earaches or sore throats
• Sprains or muscle injuries
• Fever or flu
• Minor infections

Urgent cares can be helpful as they are often open on evenings or weekends where your PCP may not be available. It is a shorter wait than the ER and is often approved by Medicaid (your specific insurance under Medicaid may have a list of their own approved Urgent Cares).

Emergency Room

Emergency rooms should be used for true emergencies (life and death) where time is of the essence. Go to the ER only if you think your life is in danger or could be seriously compromised if you wait (if the issue is serious enough PCPs and Urgent Cares both may refer you to the ER):

• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain/heart attack symptoms
• Serious injuries/broken bones
• Seizures
• Poisoning/Overdoses
• Sudden numbness/weakness