Is an urgent care clinic right for your immediate healthcare needs? Or should you go to see your primary care physician? Here’s the simple answer: Use primary care for routine healthcare, ongoing medical conditions, and preventive care. Choose urgent care when you need same-day treatment for non-emergency medical issues like minor illnesses and injuries.
Urgent care clinics and primary care facilities play essential roles in healthcare, but they serve different purposes. Primary care doctors are long-term healthcare providers who know your medical history and manage your overall health. Urgent care centers fill the gap between primary care and emergency rooms with convenient walk-in care for immediate, non-life-threatening health issues.
However, it’s not quite that straightforward because urgent care clinics are also a great option for on-demand access to healthcare services like vaccines, lab tests, allergy treatments, and travel health services.
In this article, we’ll help you understand exactly when to use each type of care, what services they offer, and how to make the best choice for your family’s health needs.
When to Use Urgent Care
Head to an urgent care center when you need medical care right away, but it’s not a life-threatening emergency. They are especially helpful when your primary care doctor’s office is closed or a same-day appointment isn’t available.
Let’s look at some of the services offered by urgent care centers. Urgent care clinics can diagnose and treat common illnesses, including:
- Sore throat and strep throat
- Ear infections
- Sinus infections
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Seasonal allergies
- Cold and flu symptoms
- Pink eye
- Mild asthma symptoms
They are also equipped to handle injuries that need prompt attention but that aren’t serious enough to go to the emergency room. Urgent care centers provide expert care for:
- Sprains and strains
- Minor cuts that might need stitches
- Minor burns
- Simple bone fractures
- Insect bites and rashes
- Minor sports injuries
Urgent care centers also provide a range of diagnostic services. You’ll usually be tested and given the results faster at an urgent care center than at your primary physician. Commonly available tests and scans include:
- X-rays
- Basic blood tests
- Strep tests
- Pregnancy tests
- COVID-19 testing
- Flu testing
The Benefits of Urgent Care
Cost-Effective Care
Urgent care centers provide on-demand access to expert medical care at a fraction of the cost of an ER visit, making them a smart choice for non-emergency medical needs.
Shorter Wait Times
Unlike emergency rooms where you might wait for hours, most urgent care centers get patients in and out within an hour, helping you get back to your day sooner.
Longer Operating Hours
Many centers stay open evenings and weekends, making healthcare accessible when primary care offices are closed.
Convenient, On-Demand Healthcare
No appointment needed. Just walk in when you need care. Many centers also offer online check-in to save your spot in line.
Urgent Care vs. ER: When Is ER the Best Option?
Emergency rooms are designed for life-threatening emergencies and severe medical conditions. Go to the ER if you experience chest pain, severe breathing problems, major injuries, stroke symptoms, or severe burns. Remember: If you’re ever unsure whether your condition is life-threatening, it’s better to be safe and go to the emergency room or call 911.
Learn more about choosing between an urgent care center and the ER.
When to Use Primary Care
Your primary care doctor is your main healthcare provider. Think of them as your go-to medical expert for most health situations. You should visit your primary care provider for regular check-ups and preventive care, including:
- Annual physical examinations
- Vaccinations and flu shots
- Health screenings
- Regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks
However, as we have already mentioned, if you don’t want to wait for an appointment, many urgent care centers also offer on-demand health tests, vaccines, and other healthcare services that were once only available from primary care facilities.
Your primary care physician can help you to manage long-term conditions, including:
- Diabetes care
- High blood pressure monitoring
- Heart disease management
- Depression and anxiety treatment
- Weight management
They are usually your main point of contact for coordinating and accessing other medical services, especially when you need a referral or a specific course of treatment.
- Referrals to specialists
- Managing your overall health records
- Organizing your medical treatments
- Keeping track of your medications
Finally, primary care clinics employ doctors and other healthcare professionals like nurses and physician assistants who can help with health education and counseling. If you need lifestyle advice about issues that affect your health, like nutrition or exercise, your primary care provider will be able to help — they know your particular healthcare needs better than any other provider.
The Benefits of Primary Care
Getting regular care from a primary care doctor offers several important advantages.
Personalized Healthcare
Your primary care doctor gets to know you, your health history, and your family background. They are well-placed to make informed decisions about your care and to spot potential health issues early. They can handle a wide range of health issues, from common illnesses to chronic disease management.
Continuity of Care
Having one doctor who oversees all aspects of your health ensures better coordination of your medical care. They can monitor your health over time and adjust treatments as needed.
Better Health Outcomes
People who see a primary care doctor regularly tend to stay healthier and spend less time in hospitals. They also get better management of chronic conditions and more thorough preventive care.
Can I Get Primary Care at an Urgent Care?
Many urgent care centers provide a wide range of medical services, including routine physicals, vaccinations, and basic health screenings. They have more convenient hours and shorter wait times while offering many of the same services as primary care offices.
However, while centers that strictly offer urgent care are ideal for immediate care needs, they work best as a complement to your primary care provider rather than a replacement. For managing chronic conditions and maintaining long-term health records, a primary care provider remains your best choice. In some cases, you can find primary care services at an urgent care.
Find an Urgent Care Near You
Use our simple search tool to find an urgent care center in your city for on-demand healthcare and convenient medical services.
