Not feeling well and unsure if you should head to the emergency room, urgent care or your primary care doctor? Figuring out where to go when you or a loved one aren’t feeling well can be overwhelming. We put together an easy guide to help you understand the role of the emergency room, urgent care and your primary care doctor to help you make the right healthcare decision quickly and confidentially.

If you or a loved one are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Emergency Room: Critical Interventions

Emergency rooms represent the frontline of immediate, life-savin medical interventions. These facilities are equipped to handle the most serious and time-sensitive medical conditions that pose immediate risks to patient survival. Conditions warranting ER visits include but are not limited to the following:

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Slurred speech
• Vision problems, such as double vision or loss of vision
• Severe dizziness
• Traumatic injuries
• Head injuries, loss of consciousness, fainting, confusion or seizures
• Severe burns
• Severe abdominal pain
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy
• Poisoning
• Thoughts of suicide or harming someone

Medical professionals at emergency departments are trained to stabilize patients experiencing acute, potentially life-threatening situations. They have comprehensive diagnostic tools, specialized equipment and round-the-clock specialist availability to manage complex medical emergencies.

Urgent Care: Bridging Healthcare Gaps

Urgent care centers serve a crucial intermediate role in the healthcare ecosystem. These facilities provide rapid medical attention for conditions that require prompt treatment but do not constitute immediate life-threatening emergencies. Typical scenarios include:

• Sprains or strains
• Minor burns without blisters
• Small cuts that may need stitches
• Fever
• Flu symptoms, sore throat or ear pain
• Eye discharge
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Painful urination
• Animal or insect bite
• Minor allergic reactions

Urgent care offers convenience and accessibility, often with shorter wait times and lower costs compared to emergency room visits. Most centers provide extended evening and weekend hours, making them ideal for patients needing quick medical intervention.

Primary Care: Comprehensive Health Management

Primary care physicians represent the cornerstone of long-term health management. These healthcare professionals develop comprehensive understandings of patients' medical histories, providing personalized preventive care and continuous health monitoring. Their responsibilities extend far beyond treating immediate symptoms.

Patients should schedule an appointment with their primary care doctor for:

• Cold and flu symptoms such as cough, fever and body aches
• Annual wellness exams and preventive screenings
• Management of chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension or asthma
• Tracking and managing new and ongoing health concerns
• Comprehensive physical examinations
• Mental health consultations and referrals
• Immunizations and vaccination updates
• Medication management and prescription refills
• Reproductive health and family planning discussions

CU Medicine: Your Comprehensive Healthcare Partner

CU Medicine provides comprehensive primary and specialty care services across the Colorado Front Range, offering patients access to experienced healthcare professionals, advanced diagnostic capabilities and patient-centered medical approaches. Our network prioritizes accessibility, quality and personalized care. Find a provider by clicking here or location by clicking here.

Disclaimer: This guide offers general medical guidance. Always consult healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice.