Published on Nov. 1, 2018
When you're feeling sick or dealing with an injury, it can be difficult to know where to seek treatment. Should you call your family doctor, visit an urgent care center, or head to the emergency room?
Understanding the differences between each option can help you get the right level of care when you need it most.
Start With Your Family Doctor When Possible
Imagine it's 4 p.m. and you wake up with a sore throat. You're worried it might be strep throat and want to be seen quickly.
In many situations like this, your primary care physician should be your first call.
"If you've got a medical issue that you think needs prompt attention, but isn't an emergency, call your family doctor first," says Candace Basich, M.D., a physician at San Clemente Family Medicine.
Why Your Primary Care Doctor Is Often the Best Choice
Your family doctor has a complete understanding of your health history, making it easier to provide personalized care.
This is especially important for individuals managing chronic health conditions.
"Your doctor is familiar with your entire medical history, including your medications, physical disabilities and personal circumstances," says Dr. Basich. "This cumulative information helps your provider make informed decisions about your health care."
When to Choose Urgent Care
Urgent care centers are designed to treat illnesses and injuries that need prompt attention but are not life-threatening.
These facilities typically offer extended hours and provide access to a wider range of services than many retail clinics.
Services Available at Urgent Care Centers
Urgent care centers often have:
- On-site physicians
- Nurse practitioners
- Physician assistants
- Basic wound care
- X-rays
- Laboratory testing
- Electrocardiograms (EKGs)
- Other diagnostic services
Saddleback Family and Urgent Care Medical Group in Lake Forest and Mission Viejo offers extended hours and can address both urgent medical concerns and general family practice needs.
When Should You Go to the Emergency Room?
Some medical situations require immediate emergency care and should never be delayed.
"The ER is equipped and staffed to handle anything from minor conditions to even the most serious illnesses and injuries using state-of-the-art protocols," says Marc Taub, M.D., medical director of Saddleback Memorial's emergency departments. "If you're not certain whether you, a relative or friend is experiencing a medical emergency, play it safe by going to the ER."
Signs You Need Emergency Medical Care
Seek care at an emergency room if you experience:
- Severe injuries
- Serious illnesses
- Sudden, alarming symptoms
- Conditions that could become life-threatening without immediate treatment
When in doubt, it is always safer to be evaluated by emergency medical professionals.
When to Call 9-1-1 Instead of Driving to the ER
In some situations, calling 9-1-1 is the safest and fastest way to receive care.
Symptoms That Require Emergency Medical Services
Call 9-1-1 immediately if you or a loved one experiences:
- Chest pain
- Severe bleeding
- Difficulty breathing
- Intense pain or discomfort anywhere in the body
- Sudden vision changes
- Slurred speech
- One-sided weakness
- Mental confusion
These symptoms may indicate a serious medical emergency such as a heart attack or stroke.
Why Immediate Treatment Matters
Getting prompt medical attention can save lives and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
"Never try to drive yourself to the ER if you have any of these symptoms," cautions Dr. Taub. "And don't try to take care of the situation yourself, or wait and see if your symptoms disappear. In the case of a stroke or heart attack, irreparable damage may be done to your brain or heart if you delay treatment."
Quick Guide: Choosing the Right Level of Care
| Situation | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Routine illness or non-emergency medical concern | Family doctor |
| Strep throat, minor injury, fever, or infection needing same-day care | Urgent care |
| Chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe injuries, or trouble breathing | Emergency room or call 9-1-1 |
Understanding Your Care Options
Knowing when to visit your family doctor, urgent care center, or emergency room can help you receive timely and appropriate care while avoiding unnecessary delays.
When symptoms are not life-threatening, start by contacting your primary care physician. For urgent but non-emergency needs, an urgent care center may be the right choice. For serious or potentially life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency care immediately or call 9-1-1.
Making the right choice can help ensure you receive the care you need, when you need it most.