Primary Care or Hospital Emergency Department
When you’re sick you just want help. Knowing where to go for the best care for your situation is important. We have developed a guide for you so you can get the treatment you need most.
For most medical problems, you should see your primary care provider first, because they know you and your medical history. If you are unsure where you should go for care, call your primary care provider’s office first.
You should go to the emergency department for very serious or life-threatening problems.
But remember that the emergency room is not the place to go for common illnesses or minor injuries. Guidelines are below:
Primary Care
Seeing your Primary Care Provider is the best option for common illnesses, minor injuries, and routine health exams. Your provider can also help you manage your health over time.
Schedule an appointment with your Primary Care Provider for:
- Common illnesses such as: colds, flu, earaches, sore throats, migraines, fever or rashes
- Minor injuries such as: sprains, back pain, minor cuts and burns, or minor eye injuries
- Regular physicals & vaccinations
- Routine care of chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, etc.
- Health problem for which you need advice
If you have any of the symptoms below, DO NOT wait! Call 911 or go to your closest hospital emergency department, which is open 24/7.
- Chest pain
- Severe abdominal pain
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Severe burns
- Deep cuts or bleeding that won’t stop
- Sudden blurred vision
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Sudden dizziness, weakness or loss of co- ordination/balance
- Numbness in the face, arm or leg
- Sudden severe headache (not a migraine)
- Seizures
- High fever
- Any other condition you believe is life threatening
Your provider cares and wants to know if you’ve been to the hospital.