If you have a cough that won’t respond to over-the-counter medicine, then who do you call for help? You probably know to make a trip to the emergency room if you’re experiencing signs of a heart attack, and you may also know that giving your primary doctor a call for a tetanus shot is the right thing to do. But what about an illness or injury that isn’t so easily classified? Sore throats, sprained ankles, deep cuts and other hard-to-classify medical conditions can be treated at urgent care facilities, which often act as a bridge between primary care and emergency rooms. So the question is, who should I go see if I have a certain injury or illness?
As a patient and a consumer, you have better and more affordable options for managing your healthcare thanks in part to the Affordable Care Act. Before you choose, know some of the differences between the common healthcare facilities and what services they offer to patients.
Primary Care Physicians
Your primary doctor manages your everyday health. She’ll conduct routine exams, schedule physicals and prescribe medicine for chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes. If you need a vaccine, then you can schedule that with her office. If your headaches get worse between yearly exams, then you can make an appointment to talk to her about them. In general, you should see a primary care doctor for:- Annual physicals
- Chronic medical conditions
- Routine screenings and lab work
- Cold or flu symptoms
- Vaccinations
- Minor aches and pains
Retail Clinics
Usually housed by pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS, retail clinics serve a specific need. They cater to people with cold or allergy symptoms, but they can also treat a limited portion of minor symptoms. The benefit of seeing a retail clinic is that your insurance will usually cover the cost with small co-pays, and you can pick up prescriptions at the same location. If you experience any of the following symptoms, then you may find relief from a retail clinic:- Ear aches
- Allergy symptoms
- Rashes and pink eye
- Minor burns and sunburns
- Strep throat
Urgent Care Facilities
Urgent care centers treat everything from flu-like symptoms to minor bone breaks. The primary advantage to urgent care centers is that they’re open when your doctor’s office is closed. If you fall and break your leg on the weekend, then you can visit a walk-in clinic for treatment. Co-pays might run about $50, and you’ll spend significantly less here than you would at an emergency room for the same care. Take a trip to an urgent care center for:- Eye irritation
- Twists and sprains
- Broken bones
- Minor cuts needing stitches
- Urinary tract infections
- Moderate stomach pain
Emergency Rooms
Emergency rooms will treat anyone who walks in the door even if it’s for a minor problem, but they’re designed to help people in life-threatening situations. Sudden, severe or unrelenting pain demands a trip to the ER. You can visit these places without an ambulance, but call 9-1-1 if you can’t move or breathe without assistance. Driving may exacerbate your condition. If you or a loved one exhibits any of the following, then go to the ER:- Stroke symptoms
- Heart attack symptoms
- Difficulty breathing
- Signs of major trauma
- Severe lacerations or burns
