Navigating Your Healthcare Options: Virtual vs. In-Person Visits vs. Emergency Room

Healthcare has evolved in ways that make it easier than ever to get the care you need when you need it. But with so many options available today — including virtual visits, in-person appointments, urgent care and the emergency room — it can be difficult to know which one is right for your situation.

The severity of your symptoms, how quickly you need care and whether a physical exam or testing is required can all help determine the best place to seek treatment. While virtual care is often the fastest and most convenient option for acute health concerns, some situations require an in-person visit, and medical emergencies should always be evaluated in the emergency room.

Advances in AI & Tech Have Created More Pathways to Access Care

Advances in technology have made virtual care more capable than ever before, allowing providers to safely diagnose and treat many common conditions remotely. Understanding when to use virtual care, in-person care or the emergency room can help you get the right care at the right time.

Virtual care is often the fastest way to be seen and treated, and it works best for less severe issues like colds, flu, rashes or medication needs. Many people are still unsure about trusting technology with their health, which is understandable, but virtual care has advanced significantly. Providers can now safely address many everyday concerns through virtual visits, making this option both convenient and dependable.

Some situations still require an in-person urgent care or office visit, especially when a doctor needs to physically examine you or run tests that cannot be done virtually. And while emergency rooms usually involve the longest wait times unless a patient is truly acute, symptoms like chest pain or trouble breathing should always be checked there.

With advances in technology and digital health tools, virtual care has become more capable than ever, making it an excellent first option for many routine health concerns. MemorialCare offers several 24/7 virtual care options that make it easy to connect with the right level of care whenever you need it.

What are MemorialCare’s 24/7 Virtual Care Options?

MemorialCare’s "Get Care Now"

virtual care suite gives patients several ways to connect with trusted providers 24/7, including online visits, phone consultations, secure video calls, real-time chat and nurse guidance. All options use secure, HIPAA-compliant technology to protect your health information while making care more accessible.

24/7 QuickCare Visit

For simple, non‑urgent needs, patients can submit symptoms online and receive a personalized treatment plan by email—often in less than an hour. This $20 option is ideal for common concerns such as skin issues, urinary tract infections and stomach discomfort.

Online Chat 24/7

A virtual assistant is available to help check symptoms, answer general questions, find providers or locations, and book appointments. Patients can also connect live with a human for additional support.

24/7 Virtual Urgent Care

For urgent but non‑emergency concerns, patients can have a face to face encounter with a provider via video visit. This option treats all ages and costs either a copay or $75 if you don’t have insurance. It’s well‑suited for sinus infections, allergies, stomach issues, ear infections and medication questions. Providers can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications and advise whether further care is needed—often within minutes.

When to Use Virtual Care

MemorialCare’s 24/7 Virtual Care options make high‑quality healthcare easier to reach on your schedule. Designed for convenience, safety and continuity, virtual visits offer a flexible, patient‑centered approach that supports people at every stage of life—from busy families to older adults and caregivers. Virtual care can be especially valuable for seniors who may face mobility challenges, transportation barriers, chronic or underlying health conditions, or concerns about exposure to infection. Connecting with a provider from home helps reduce stress and makes it easier for seniors and their caregivers to manage health needs with confidence.

Virtual Care is available for many non‑emergency health needs, including:

• Cold, flu, cough, congestion, runny nose, and earaches
• Most medication refills
• Minor rashes and hives
• Pink eye
• Mental health concerns (non‑suicidal or non‑homicidal), including anxiety and depression.
• Questions regarding chronic disease management
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Virtual care also plays an important role in helping patients stay on top of their health, especially when managing ongoing or chronic conditions that require consistent attention, such as:

• Medication support, including guidance on prescriptions, dosage questions or refills
• Symptom management to discuss changes in your health and receive timely advice
• Follow‑up care after procedures or appointments from home, when appropriate based on your discussion with your healthcare provider

When an In-Person Visit is the Best Option

While 24/7 Virtual Care offers numerous benefits, there are situations where an In-Person Urgent Care visit is essential. Understanding these scenarios can help patients make informed decisions about their care.

For instance, some conditions require direct examination or treatment that cannot be performed virtually. While virtual care is helpful for symptom review and initial guidance, in‑person visits may be necessary for concerns such as:

• Minor injuries, cuts, or lacerations: Wounds that may need cleaning, closure (stitches or adhesive) or evaluation for infection.
• Musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries: Sprains, strains, sports injuries or joint pain that require assessment of range of motion, swelling, or stability, which may require imaging to confirm whether ligaments are torn or if bones are fractured.
• Back pain or sciatica: In‑person exams help evaluate nerve involvement, mobility and pain triggers.
• Ear infections in children: Providers need to use an otoscope to look inside the ear for fluid buildup or infection.
• Lumps, abscesses, or soft tissue infections: Palpation is necessary to assess size, tenderness, and whether drainage or antibiotics are needed.
• Minor burns: Some burns require hands‑on evaluation to determine severity and proper wound care.
• Abdominal pain: A provider may need a physical exam, lab tests and imaging such as an ultrasound since persistent pain could point to gallstones, appendicitis or other gastrointestinal conditions that can’t be confirmed virtually.
• Chronic migraines: Neurological exams and possibly an MRI can help rule out serious causes; ongoing headaches may require checking for issues like nerve involvement, vascular problems or even tumors.

These types of assessments—whether for evaluating wounds, checking nerve function, evaluating musculoskeletal injuries or treating infections—depend on physical interaction that can’t be fully replaced by a virtual visit. Sometimes an evaluation requires diagnostic testing, which can help determine the best course of treatment for a patient. Diagnostic testing can include:

• Blood tests: Lab work can uncover hidden issues such as anemia or infections; for example, someone experiencing extreme fatigue or unexplained weight loss may need blood tests to rule out serious conditions.
• Imaging (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs): These provide a window inside the body to detect fractures, tumors or internal abnormalities; a patient with persistent night sweats might need a chest X-ray to check for underlying illness.
• Biopsies: Examining tissue samples is critical for diagnosing cancer or other conditions; if a lump is found, only a biopsy can confirm what’s happening.

These tests provide detailed, accurate information that virtual visits cannot replace, making in-person diagnostic procedures essential for early detection and proper treatment.

When an Emergency Room Visit is the Best Option

In the case of medical emergencies, immediate in‑person care is critical. Virtual visits and urgent care cannot replace the life‑saving interventions that are available to patients at an Emergency Department. It’s important to get emergency care right away for symptoms such as:

• Chest pain or pressure: This may signal a heart attack and requires emergency evaluation, including an EKG, blood tests, and potentially life‑saving procedures such as stent placement.
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing: Sudden or severe breathing problems may indicate serious conditions such as asthma attacks, blood clots, or heart and lung emergencies.
• Sudden vision loss, severe headache, or stroke symptoms: Warning signs include weakness on one side of the body, facial drooping, slurred speech, numbness, or confusion. These symptoms require immediate treatment to prevent permanent damage.
• Severe bleeding or serious injuries: Uncontrolled bleeding, deep wounds, broken bones, or injuries from falls or accidents may require trauma care, stitches, or surgical intervention.
• Severe abdominal pain: Intense or worsening abdominal pain can indicate conditions such as appendicitis, internal bleeding, or bowel obstruction, which may require emergent surgery.
• Loss of consciousness or ongoing dizziness: Passing out, fainting, or persistent dizziness may signal serious underlying conditions that require urgent evaluation.
• Pregnancy‑related complications: Heavy bleeding, severe pain, decreased fetal movement, or signs of preterm labor should be evaluated immediately.
• Mental health emergencies: Thoughts of suicide or harming others require immediate emergency care and support.

In these situations, every second counts. It’s important to call 911 to get you to a hospital quickly and safely.

Consult with Your Healthcare Provider

If you're unsure which care option is right for you, we make it easy to connect with a provider at any moment. You can speak with a registered nurse to discuss your symptoms and receive guidance on next steps. Our providers are trained to assess symptoms virtually and will recommend in-person care when necessary, such as for physical exams or lab work.

At MemorialCare, we believe that healthcare should be as convenient and stress-free as possible. Whether you're consulting with a provider for minor symptoms or managing ongoing health concerns, 24/7 Virtual Care is designed to meet you where you are—at home, at work or on the go. With secure, easy-to-use platforms and access to expert providers around the clock, you can receive timely medical guidance without the need to travel or wait in a clinic. This flexibility empowers you to take control of your health, make informed decisions and stay connected to quality care—whenever and wherever you need it.

Visit memorialcare.org/get-care-now to explore your 24/7 virtual care options today and experience convenient access to healthcare, any time, any day.

Medically Reviewed by:

Hoa Mai Nguyen, M.D., family medicine, MemorialCare Medical Group

About the Author:

Hoa Mai Nguyen, M.D., is a family medicine physician at MemorialCare Medical Group, serving patients through virtual urgent care. She earned her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine and completed her residency at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, establishing a strong foundation in comprehensive patient care. Fluent in English and Vietnamese, Dr. Nguyen is dedicated to providing compassionate care with clear communication and cultural sensitivity. With her strong background in primary care and through her work in urgent care, she continues to expand access to high‑quality, patient‑centered healthcare that meets the needs of diverse communities.