Primary Care vs. Urgent Care: What is the Difference? Part 3

We have examined Primary Care and Urgent Care through the lens of their emphasis on relationship vs. convenience, and through their optimization of planned vs. unplanned medical care.  Today we will look at some of the specific scenarios where each might be the best choice, and the overlap where either choice would be acceptable.

When to Seek Primary Care instead of Urgent Care

·         Chronic (extended or long-term) Disease Management

·         Chronic Conditions that Suddenly Get Worse

·         Establishing a Primary Care Provider as your “go to” Medical Person for Advice

·         Childhood Immunizations

·         Annual Physical Examinations

·         Servicing of Long-Term Prescriptions for Medications

·         Weight Loss; Dietary Advice; Quitting Smoking; Healthier Living

When to Seek Urgent Care instead of Primary Care

·         Animal and Bug Bites

·         Asthma Attacks (serious asthma is for the Emergency Room)

·         Foreign Objects in Eyes or Nose

·         Minor Burns or Bruises

·         Minor Cuts or Scrapes, especially if you are likely to need stitches

·         Minor Fractures, Strains or Sprains, especially if you are likely to need an X-ray

·         Rashes, Poison Ivy, or Allergic Reactions

When Either Urgent Care or Primary Care is a Good Choice

·         Acute (sudden onset or short-term) Illnesses or Infections

·         Adult Immunizations

·         Employment Physicals

·         Flu and Pneumonia Shots

·         School, Sports, and Camp Physicals

·         TB Tests

·         Urinary Tract Infections

·         Referrals to Specialists

Of course there are always exceptions to these lists.  The importance you place on relationship and convenience may affect where you choose to be treated for any condition.  Sometimes convenience may be more important and Urgent Care will become the best choice.  Sometimes having a long-term relationship with your doctor will be more important and Primary Care will be the best choice.