When should I see a primary care provider instead of urgent care?

See a primary care provider for routine and ongoing care: annual exams, preventive screenings, chronic condition management, medication management, and non-emergency illnesses. Urgent care is for non-emergency concerns that need same-day attention when your primary care office is closed or unavailable.

What belongs in primary care?

Primary care is the right home for annual exams, preventive care, chronic condition management, medication management, and non-emergency illnesses. Your provider knows your history and can offer continuity.

When is urgent care the better choice?

Urgent care is for non-emergency concerns that need same-day attention when your primary care office is closed or fully booked. It fills the gap for timely care.

How do I decide?

If your concern is routine or ongoing, start with your primary care provider. If you need care today and your provider is unavailable, urgent care may be appropriate.

What about emergencies?

For life-threatening or severe symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Urgent care and primary care are not substitutes for emergency care.

When should I see a primary care provider instead of urgent care?

What belongs in primary care?

When is urgent care the better choice?

How do I decide?

What about emergencies?

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