14 de abril de 2025

Where to go for Care

Emergency room, urgent care, or primary care physician (PCP)?

A Sentara Medicare guide to choosing the right care for your need

Where should I go for care? This is a common question when faced with health concerns or injury. Understanding your options in advance can help reduce some of the stress when it is time to seek medical attention.

The emergency room (ER) is for serious or life-threatening conditions that require immediate attention.

Urgent care is for non life threatening issues that still need quick treatment.

Your primary care provider (PCP) is ideal for managing ongoing health needs and non-urgent concerns.

Keep reading to learn how to choose the right level of care for your situation.

When to go to the emergency room (ER)

The ER is available 24/7 and is for life threatening or severe conditions that need immediate care. It is equipped to deal with a wide range of emergent situations. If you are unsure about a condition, it is best to be cautious and seek care right away.

Visit the ER, when you are experiencing:

Chest pain (especially if it is sudden, severe, or associated with shortness of breath, dizziness, or nausea)
Severe difficulty breathing such as asthma or anaphylaxis
Signs of a stroke (numbness, drooping on one side of the body, slurred speech, confusion, severe headache, or loss of balance)
Uncontrolled bleeding
Serious injuries such as deep cuts or broken bones
Severe burns
Seizure that lasts longer than one minute or if the person does not wake up quickly
Severe allergic reaction, especially with swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing
Head injury with loss of consciousness, fainting, confusion, or worsening symptoms
Severe abdominal pain
Severe dehydration (this is especially concerning in young children and older adults)

When to go to urgent care

Urgent care centers can treat non life threatening medical issues that need timely attention. These clinics are equipped to handle a wide range of medical needs and are convenient, cost-effective, and often have shorter wait times.

Here are some conditions for when you should visit urgent care:

Fever or flu-like symptoms that are not improving with home care
Sprains, strains, or minor fractures that are not life-threatening but need immediate medical attention
Cuts or wounds that need stitches
Urinary tract infection
Rashes or skin infection that needs quick attention
Ear or sinus infections that are causing significant discomfort
Minor burns or insect bites that could lead to an infection
Vomiting or diarrhea that is not improving

You can also find a Sentara Urgent Care center near you by visiting: https://www.sentara.com/hospitalslocations/sentara-urgent-care/locations

When to see your primary care physician (PCP)

Your PCP is the best resource for routine health, chronic conditions, and non-urgent medical concerns. You should see your PCP when experiencing mild or persistent symptoms that do not need immediate medical attention. Seeing your PCP regularly can potentially catch issues early before they become more serious.

Routine check-ups or physicals
Chronic condition management like diabetes, high blood pressure, or asthma
Cold or flu-like symptoms that are mild and have been going on for days
Recurring pain in your back or joints
Preventative care like vaccinations or routine screening like mammograms, pap smears, or blood tests
Medication refills
Any health concern that is not severe but needs medical advice

The above lists are not exhaustive lists of symptoms. Additionally, understanding the hours of operation for each facility can also influence your decision; urgent care centers typically have extended hours compared to your PCP's office, making them a convenient option for after-hours care.

Always prioritize your health and err on the side of caution when it comes to seeking medical attention.

As a Sentara Medicare member, you can take advantage of two exclusive benefits.

Virtual visits through MDLIVE®, a national telehealth company providing quality, convenient healthcare 24-hours a day for minor healthcare issues. You can easily access MDLIVE from a computer, mobile phone or tablet.
Additionally, you have access to Sentara Community Care clinics and mobile care vehicles. Our caring doctors and nurse practitioners are here to be your primary care providers. Need to visit after work or on the weekend? No problem! Many of our centers are open to fit your schedule. We are dedicated to making healthcare easy. You can find us in Hampton Roads, Northern Virginia, Central Virginia (Richmond), and Harrisonburg.

Need to find the best Medicare plan for you? Call one of our Licensed Plan Advisors to see if you are eligible for a Sentara Medicare plan: You can check your eligibility, ask questions, or enroll by calling 1-877-550-3256 (TTY: 711).

Oct. 1–March 31 | 7 days a week | 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
April 1–Sept. 30 | Mon.–Fri. | 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

Sources:

When to use the emergency room – adult

Y0174_0325_SHPWT_310007_M