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Do you know where to go for care?

03.15.2019

Do you know where to go for care?

By Lisa Richter, Neighborcare Health 

Deciding where to go to see a doctor can be confusing. From urgent care to the emergency room to a primary care clinic, there are many places you can go to get the medical care you need. What is the best option for you? 

When to go to the emergency room

Go to the Emergency Room for: 

  • Bleeding that won't stop
  • Broken bones
  • Severe burns
  • Head injuries
  • Sudden blurred vision or dizziness
  • Slurred speech
  • Numbness or paralysis in the face, arms or legs
  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Loss of consciousness or seizures
  • Sever stomach Pain
  • Poisoning or possible overdose
  • Feelings that you might want to hurt yourself or others
  • Conditions you feel are life-threatening

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (ER) for care. Visits to the ER should be only for life-threatening or very serious emergencies, such as broken bones, chest pain, severe stomach pain or head injuries (see the adjacent list of several possible life-threatening symptoms).

If you are not experiencing an emergency, think of your options before going to the ER. Many non-emergency issues can be cared for by a primary care provider, like a sore throat or medication refills. Going to the ER for common minor illnesses and injuries can make it more difficult for patients who are having an emergency to get the care they need. Visiting the ER can also be expensive and mean long wait times to see a provider.

Another reason many people find themselves in the ER is because they have not had regular care for their ongoing health conditions and are very sick. Many health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease and asthma, can become life-threatening if they are not managed with the help of a primary care team.

Primary care

Primary Care Services

  • Allergies
  • Cold or flu
  • Cough, sore throat, fever, earache, sinus infection
  • Diarrhea and vomiting
  • Asthmas attack
  • Back pain
  • Animal or insect bite
  • Cut, wound, burn or rash
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Sprain or strain
  • Health check-up, vaccinations, cancer screenings
  • Prescriptions refills
  • Connection to mental health, dental care and specialty services

If you are not experiencing an emergency, your best option is to make an appointment to see a primary care provider. Primary care clinics can treat a wide variety of health issues, from ongoing health conditions to common illnesses and injuries to preventive care to keep you healthy.

At primary care centers, a team of doctors, nurses, nutritionists, social workers and more work with patients to help them manage ongoing conditions before they become life-threatening, and help improve patients’ overall health and well-being. It is important for anyone living with an ongoing health issue, such as diabetes, asthma or high blood pressure, to set up care with a primary care provider and see that provider regularly.

People can also visit a primary care health center for many common illnesses and injuries, like allergies, headaches, fevers, sinus infections, sprains, wound care and more (see the adjacent list of example primary care services). Primary care services can also help you stay healthy and prevent issues with services such as vaccinations, prescription refills, cancer screenings, and adult and well-child check-ups. A primary care health center can also connect you to other services you may need, such as dental care, behavioral health and specialty services.

If you do not have a primary care provider, see these health services resources from Public Health—Seattle King County.

When to go to urgent care

Go to an urgent care center if:

  • your primary care health center is closed

  • your condition may get worse if you wait to get care

  • you are NOT experiencing a life-threatening emergency

If you visit an urgent care center, be sure to update your primary care team to help keep your health records accurate.

This article was provided by Neighborcare Health, an SHA partner. Neighborcare Health is the largest provider of primary medical and dental services for low-income and uninsured families and individuals in Seattle. They serve more than 75.000 patients each year at nearly 30 medical, dental and school-based clinics. Find a clinic in your neighborhood. All are welcome at Neighborcare Health.