Choose the Right Place for the Best Care
When to Visit Primary Care:
Your primary care doctor provides you with routine care and will treat you when you have a medical concern that is not an emergency. Visit your doctor once a year for a wellness visit and for medical attention as needed for ongoing health concerns. These include
- Preventive care
- Immunizations or shots
- Diabetes check ups
- Rashes
- Cold or flu symptoms
- Colonoscopy referral
- High blood pressure
- Sore throat
- Pink eye
- Lower back pain
- Animal or insect bites
- Urinary tract infections
Choose primary care when you do not need immediate medical care.
When to Visit the Emergency Department:
Use the Emergency Department for any life or death emergency, or when you need immediate medical attention and cannot see your primary care physician.
These include visits for:
- Sprains and strains
- Allergic reactions
- Babies needing immediate care
- Serious eye or head injuries
- Severe burns
- Suspected overdose or poisoning
- Abdominal or chest pain
- Breathing problems
- Heart attack symptoms
- High fevers
- Stroke symptoms
Choose emergency care when you have a medical emergency or when primary care is not available.