Primary, Urgent and Emergency Care: Where Should You Go?

June 11, 2020

Having to make a trip to see a medical professional can be a challenge when the need arises. Deciding on what kind of office, or if you should go to a doctor at all, should be the least of your worries. No matter the circumstance, medical offices do everything they can to provide safe and clean environments for you to be seen.

Should I go to my primary care office? Do I need to go to the emergency room? What exactly does an urgent care center cover? In the moment, making the split-second decisions on where to go can be difficult. We’re here to help explain the differences and what best to choose for life’s situations.

Primary Care

Taking a visit to your primary care physician is best for your long-term health and conditions. Your doctor knows your health history, which makes them best equipped to handle ongoing situations. Some primary care doctors will have a Telemedicine service to help you get seen quickly and reduce the risk of exposure for some ill patients.

Primary care is also great for most conditions that require testing or a referral to a specialist. Sometimes you need quick non-emergency medical attention. Primary care doctors usually require an appointment, and you may have to wait a few days to be seen. Many illnesses and injuries benefit from quick medical treatment. This is where urgent care shines.

Urgent Care

Urgent care is excellent in that you can get seen the same day as your need arises; after hours and on weekends. When you require care urgently, but you don’t have a life-threatening emergency. Most illnesses can be handled by urgent care if they don’t require testing or extensive medical history knowledge to diagnose and treat.

If you suspect that you have a severe sprain, break, or require stitches, urgent care can give you the quick treatment you need without the emergency room’s wait or price. Most urgent care offices will have a Telemedicine service available as well. With Telemedicine, a medical professional can get seen from home right on your phone or computer.

However, if your injuries are life or limb-threatening, don’t hesitate to go to the ER instead.

Emergency Room

The ER is best used for life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Emergency rooms are equipped to handle anything with faculties, equipment, and expertise. A broken finger can undoubtedly be treated by urgent care. An arm that is broken in several places is best handled in the emergency room, so you can immediately get the level of care you need.

While life-threatening concerns will be seen immediately, anything non-life-threatening may end up waiting to be seen for quite a time. Emergency rooms are required to provide treatment regardless of ability to pay; whereas doctors’ offices are allowed to request proof of insurance and proof of payment ahead of time. This leads to more people heading to the ER for non-emergency treatment because they can’t afford the upfront office fees.

No matter the need, any medical professional will do all they can to assist you in the circumstance. Don’t hesitate when the need arises. Visit Quick Care Med if you need urgent care, or Click Here to schedule a telemedicine appointment.

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The entire staff was very caring. I had my toddler with me and she was a bit rowdy and they gave her crayons with coloring pages and stickers and even a lollipop to help keep her occupied.

Tanya C.

My son scribbled on a piece of paper and handed it to one of the woman in the front, saying that is say how his ears hurt, she accepted it and posted it on the artwork wall, when the PA came in to see him he was made to feel like a big deal because he had known about the paper. This is a place where the staff really cares about their patients and go the extra mile for them

Ron M.

Have been there a few times and hey have always been very fast, kind, courteous and welcoming. Always very helpful especially the front desk. The employee Heather helped me with pharmacy, paperwork and everything I needed help with. Only quick care I go too because of her.

Sapphire B.

I absolutely love our nurse Tiffany. She made our visit so comfortable. I had two very sick little boys who did not want to go to the Dr. She made the at ease in an instant and she took such great care of them. This was at the Quick care on 441 in Ocala Fl. I'll go back to this one because of her. And recommended to all my friends and family. Thanks so much!

Ray L

A Big THANK YOU, to the Staff at Quick Care Med, in Dunnellon!! My Husband was seen, for a couple different ailments, during his visit,, and the Two Practitioners who worked with Him, were AWESOME! They treated my Big, 200 pound, 6 ft. "Baby",, with Respect, Dignity, and Professionalism, and just the right amount of Calming Firmness!! Lol... he's afraid of Needles, and Doctor Offices, in general and I must say, that GWEN, & DEBBIE, were very good to him! Prices for services rendered, were ve

Cindy J.

Great sweet people

Myranda W

I was there yesterday and I've never felt so shocked. The 3 girls I interacted with were the most pleasant and friendly caregivers I've ever dealt with. Idr the rep's name, but she was quick and prompt at taking all my info and with minimal Qs (kinda hard to answer when I have a cold), then Alexis took over. Very sympathetic, nice, and helpful. Then the physician saw me and was charismatic and very funny. Trying to keep me in good spirits. It was like all 3 were happy to be at their posts and to

Julio R

Anytime, we've ever been there, all of the physicians are very caring and helpful, they don't rush or make you feel unimportant... I wish we could have them as our GP

Di C.

Very friendly,professional. Very caring of patients.Victoria was excellent. Took time to listen and made you feel comfortable.

Breonna S

We had Zaib Kahn as the provider and NEVER have I seen such a good bedside manner, as they call it! AND he personally called this a.m. to ask how my husband is feeling! (The pharmacy was closed when we left the ofc., and they asked us to allow until 11 to pick up the RXs, but that's NOT YOUR fault ;D I'm thrilled w/ Mr. Kahn's service and may well use your clinic for ALL my medical needs!!!! THANK YOU

Frank R

Professional staff, caring and organized. Prompt service for DOT related visits.

John S

The absolute BEST! Everyone here is so nice! We've had to come in a few times & they've always taken great care of us. We're usually out within 20-30 min. All the girls up front are very nice & helpful (you don't find that too often), so is the girl that takes your vitals. Dr B is the amazing! He takes his time to listen to what's wrong & always has a big smile. If we could have this office as our primary care location we would

Ryan M

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