ER or Primary Care?

Here’s some basic information to help you make a decision about the best level of care for your needs.

Primary care

Visit your primary care clinic for injuries or illnesses that are not life-threatening. We'll make every effort to see you on the day you contact us.

The benefits? Your primary care provider knows you and your health history. In addition, a primary care visit is less expensive than a trip to the ER, and you’ll avoid a lengthy stay in the ER waiting room.

Visit your primary care clinic when you are experiencing:

• Cold, flu, and/or COVID-19 symptoms

• Headaches

• Minor burns

• Minor cuts/lacerations

• Minor joint injuries

• Nausea/vomiting

• Rashes

• Urinary tract symptoms

Urgent care

Visit an urgent care clinic if:

• you have any of the above symptoms,

• you need immediate attention, and

• your primary care provider is unavailable or the clinic is closed.

Emergency care

Visit an emergency room if you have a life-threatening emergency, including:

• Difficulty breathing

• Broken bones

• Chest pain or pressure

• Head, neck, and spine injuries

• Seizures

• Severe pain

• Stroke

• Unconsciousness

• Uncontrollable bleeding