Where should you go for medical help? A quick guide to ERs, urgent care centers, primary care clinics and more

Know when to go to the ER

"ACT FAST" is a helpful acrostics guide for the conditions that call for a visit to the ER. You should call 911 or go directly to an ER for the following conditions:

A = ACCIDENT.  Serious injuries, broken bones or severe bleeding

C = CHEST PAIN.  Could signal a heart attack or other serios cause. Don't delay!

T = TROUBLE BREATHING. Asthma, an allergic reaction, or poisoning

F = FAINTING. Dizziness, fainting, sudden weakness could indicate a stroke

A = ALLERGIC REACTION with SWELLING or TROUBLE BREATHING. Reactions to bee & insect stings, or medication and food could be causes

S = SUDDEN. Any condition that comes on quickly, including sudden weakness or confusion

T = TIME SENSITIVE. Things like strokes and heart attacks need immediate care

If you are in an ACT FAST category, those are good reasons to go to the Emergency Department. Don't sit at home and not get the emergency care when you need it and miss the opportunity to get care with the best outcome.  A stroke has better treatment options and outcomes if its treated in the first four hours and not a couple of days later.

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But the ER is not the right place to go for help with routine medical concerns. ER staff care for the most critically injured patients first, they prioritize care based on how critically ill the person is and showing up with a condition that can be treated elsewhere can drain resources for those who really need them.

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Urgent Care can help with things that can't wait

Urgent Care clinics treat sprains, minor infections and other complaints that need attention quickly but aren't life-threatening. Providers at urgent care often help patients more quickly than doctors at a hospital ER. Many have extended hours, so they're often open on evenings and weekends when your primary care provider is closed. Some urgent care clinics offer X-ray and lab services, while others do not. It can help to call ahead.

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Primary Care providers help with preventive care and handle long-term health issues

Your primary care provider should be your key partner in keeping you healthy and  helping you stay on top of routine items like vaccinations and health screenings. You should create a strong relationship with your primary care provider and schedule regular checkups. The better your doctor know you, the healthier you will be. And if you get sick with a case of the flu or you need a refill on a prescription, you can call your doctor's office for help.

Primary care clinics are not the best place to get help for an emergency, and if you show up with one, the nurse or medical assistant will likely send you to urgent care of the ER. If you are not sure where to go for care, you can call your doctor's office for guidance.

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Virtual Visits

Access to see doctors online expanded greatly during the COVD-19 pandemic. Virtual visits enable patients to connect directly with your medical provider using a computer, a tablet, a smart phone or other electronic device, through a secure video connection. 

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Be wary of using the internet to diagnose your self

Many people use Google or AI (artificial intelligence) to learn more about medical conditions and treatment. You can find some good, general health information online, but be sure you are getting information from legit health experts. You shouldn't use AI to research an acute condition, determine a diagnosis or replace regular medical care. Beware of misinformation, which is rampant on social media. It is always best to consult with your primary care provider not the internet.