Where should I go when I need care?

Doctor’s office or clinic

The best place to get care is usually your regular healthcare provider’s office or clinic. You should make an appointment with your doctor for:

• Common illnesses, such as colds, flu, earaches, sore throats, migraines, fever, and rashes
• Minor injuries, such as sprains, back pain, minor cuts and burns, minor broken bones, or minor eye injuries
• Physicals, prescription refills, vaccinations, and screenings

Urgent care clinics

When your doctor is not available, urgent care clinics provide attention for non-life-threatening medical problems or problems that could become worse if you wait. This includes:

• Common illnesses, such as colds, the flu, earaches, sore throats, migraines, fever, and rashes
• Minor injuries, such as sprains, back pain, minor cuts and burns, minor broken bones, and minor eye injuries

Hospital emergency rooms (ERs)

ERs are for emergencies. You should use a hospital ER only for very serious or life-threatening problems. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, call 911 or get to your nearest hospital ER:

• Chest pain or severe abdominal pain
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Numbness in the face, arm, or leg
• Coughing or vomiting blood
• Severe burns, deep cuts, or bleeding that won’t stop
• Sudden blurred vision, dizziness, weakness, or loss of coordination/balance
• Sudden, severe headache (not a migraine); seizures; or high fever