Patient education: Deciding where to go for care (The Basics)

How do I decide where to go for care? — 

There are different places you can go for help when you have a health problem. Each provides a different level of care and might be used at different times, based on the situation. Knowing the best place to go for the type of care you need can help you be prepared.

Below is some general information about the different places you can go for health care. Your options depend on things like your situation, where you live, and what kind of health insurance you have.

Primary care provider or clinic — 

Many people have a primary care provider, or "PCP," they see regularly. Your PCP might be a doctor or another professional, such a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.

Your PCP is the best person to help manage your overall health. Examples of things they can help with include:

●Regular physicals and check-ups

●Common illnesses like colds and the flu

●Long-term problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, and arthritis

●Vaccines

●Medicines, including refills

●Follow-up visits after being seen by another provider or clinic

Primary care offices are usually open during the week. Some have longer hours or weekend appointments.

In general, your PCP is the best place to start if you do not feel well or need care for a minor illness or health problem. That's because they already know about your health history, medical conditions, and your medicines or other treatments. This information helps them give you the care you need.

Patient portal, nurse help line, or self-care resources — 

If you cannot reach your regular doctor's office and are not sure where to go for care, you can often get information online or by phone. Your online "patient portal" is often a good resource.

Many doctors' offices also have an information line you can call with questions. Some are open all the time to speak with somebody. Or you might leave a message for your doctor or nurse. Tell them about your health problem, and they can give you advice on where to go for care.

Sometimes, you can care for yourself at home or manage your symptoms until the doctors' office opens. Your doctor might also give you information about how to care for yourself, or recommend trusted resources to go to for advice.

Urgent care center or walk-in clinic — 

These often have weekend or evening hours. They might be a good choice if you need care quickly, but your regular doctor's office is closed.

You might go to an urgent care center or walk-in clinic if you have a:

●Fever

●Bad sore throat, cough, or congestion

●Earache

●Rash

●Minor cut or burn

●Sprain or strain

Emergency department — 

These are open all day and night. They can treat serious injuries and other problems, and should be used if you need medical care right away.

Always seek emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) for very serious illnesses or injuries. Examples include:

●Symptoms of a heart attack or stroke

●Very bad shortness of breath

●Beathing in smoke of poisonous fumes

●Overdose or poisoning

●Head injury or loss of consciousness

●Serious accidents, burns, broken bones, or bleeding

●Vomiting blood or coughing up blood

●Severe allergic reaction

●Thoughts of harming yourself or someone else

●Severe pain that you cannot sleep through

What else should I know? — 

Make sure you know where these places are nearby, and their phone numbers:

●Your doctor's office, including the information line you can call with questions

●Urgent care center or walk-in clinic

●Emergency services and emergency department

●Nurse help line phone number

More on this topic

Patient education: Routine physical for adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Preventive health care for older adults (The Basics)