ER, Urgent Care, or Primary Doctor?
It’s estimated that around 30% of visits to the emergency room (ER) are deemed unnecessary, which is not only takes up space and resources for those who need the ER setting, but it can be extremely costly for the patient as well.
Of course, an ER visit should be made in a true emergency, but it’s important to know when something can be addressed at an urgent care facility or even waiting to make an appointment with your primary care physician.
Primary Care Physician Office
Primary care physicians (PCPs) are usually family medicine doctors, internists and pediatricians. However, some individuals see other healthcare providers like physician assistants and nurse practitioners for their primary care needs. These are the providers you see routinely who get to know you and your family, and they can provide the most comprehensive care. They are specially trained in health betterment and maintenance and are your allies in acute and chronic disease management.
Other healthcare services provided by a PCP include but are not limited to:
- Routine check-ups
- Sick visits (non-life-threatening)
- Immunizations
- Preventative care such as blood pressure monitoring and help with weight management
PCPs also know when your condition needs another set of eyes and refer patients to specialists when necessary.
When considering cost, a visit to your PCP generally has the lowest copay of the three options. A PCP is more affordable than an ER visit or urgent care, so they are your best option for non-emergency healthcare concerns when an appointment is available. Regularly visiting your PCP leads to monitoring and early detection of health issues, boosting the chances of successful treatment outcomes.
Urgent Care Facility
Urgent care facilities provide walk-in visits. You don’t need to make an appointment. If you are facing a healthcare concern that is not life-threatening but needs to be treated immediately, an urgent care facility is the best option. They are a bridge between primary care offices and emergency rooms. These facilities provide treatment services for things like:
- Minor orthopedic issues such as fractures and sprains
- Cuts requiring stitches
- Minor burns
- Colds and flu
- Ear infections
- And more
Many urgent care clinics have X-ray machines and on-site labs, so you can receive a fast diagnosis and start treatment right away.
Urgent care healthcare facilities offer several advantages over waiting for a PCP appointment. They provide walk-in services on a first-come, first-serve basis that you don’t need an appointment for. Many urgent care clinics are open 24 hours. If not, they often have extended hours, including evenings and weekends.
Emergency Room
Emergency rooms are available to provide care 24/7. ERs can handle the most severe, life-threatening conditions. Unlike urgent care centers, emergency rooms will primarily see you according to the severity of your illness, not only on a first-come, first-serve basis.
A visit to the emergency room will offer the most advanced diagnostic techniques such as CT scans and MRIs. These imaging techniques are not provided in a PCP office or urgent care clinic. Immediate treatment is rendered for severe conditions including prompt admission to the hospital (if necessary), emergency surgeries, and stabilization of patients in critical condition.
Reasons to visit the ER include but are not limited to:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe trauma
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Sudden severe headache
- Loss of consciousness
- Stroke symptoms (facial drooping, arm or leg weakness, dizziness or loss of balance, vision and speech difficulties)
While ERs provide the most advanced diagnostic techniques and treatment, they also have longer wait times and higher costs. Choosing to go to the emergency room over an urgent care center or your PCP should only be considered in the most severe situations to save time and resources.
Follow Up Care
Whether you visit the emergency room, an urgent care clinic, or your PCP, follow-up care is vital. This care can look different depending on your unique situation. Possibilities for follow-up care may involve transfer to a different facility, admission to the hospital, follow-up appointments with a specialist, or simply another visit with your PCP.
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Originally published October 20, 2022. Updated August 19, 2024.