Unsure about primary care vs. urgent care – and when you need each? You’re not alone. Many people are confused about the difference between the two and when you need each.
Many patients ask us about the difference between primary care and urgent care. This blog is here to help you understand which is best for you based on your circumstances and symptoms.
*Note: If you have a medical emergency, please call 911 or visit the closest emergency room to you*
What is Urgent Care, and When Do I Need To Go?
Urgent care is where you go when you do not need to see a primary care provider, and it is not a life-threatening situation that requires going to the emergency room.
Examples of urgent care matters include needing diagnosis and treatment for a cold, the flu, or urinary tract infections. Most urgent care centers can also help with cuts, burns, and breaks.
Urgent care providers are not the regular doctors that you see on an ongoing and annual basis. Instead, these providers are here to help you be seen quicker than you typically can get in to see your primary care doctor. Furthermore, they are open for extended hours for your convenience.
What is Primary Care, and When Do I Need To Go?
Primary care is a way to get prolonged care and treatment for an ongoing issue or illness as well as annual checkups.
Examples of direct primary care services can range from diabetes, thyroid, acid reflux/GERD, and much more. The primary care physician’s overall responsibility is to treat chronic conditions and keep up with your ongoing healthcare needs.
The healthcare provider, in this case, has a better understanding of the patient’s medical history. The accessibility to these providers is usually appointment-based.
Sign Up Now!
Step 1: Signup for the Patient Portal
Step 2: Schedule Your First Appointment
Register New Patient Portal Account
If you already have a portal account, simply log in.
When to Visit an Emergency Room
In addition to understanding primary care vs. urgent care, it is also important to understand that if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency then it is important for you to call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.
Turn To MainStreet For All of Your Healthcare Needs!
Turn to MainStreet for all of your urgent care and primary care needs. We provide care for a wide variety of illnesses and conditions, including everything from broken bones to common colds and injuries.
All of our clinics offer both urgent and primary care. You can see the same friendly faces for most of your healthcare needs.
Register Online for Urgent Care Services
If you are looking to get treated for minor illnesses or conditions that need quick attention, then urgent care is perfect for you! Register online for urgent care to reduce our in-clinic wait times. Online registration is accessible for each of our urgent care clinics.
Schedule an Appointment for Primary Care Services
Obtaining primary care services at MainStreet Family Care clinics is now easier than ever. Simply create an account on the patient portal and then book your first appointment. We can typically see you within 48 hours, even for primary care appointments! Gone are the days of waiting months to see your doctor for the first time.
Register for the primary care patient portal to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician at MainStreet Family Care.
Sign Up Now!
Step 1: Signup for the Patient Portal
Step 2: Schedule Your First Appointment
Register New Patient Portal Account
If you already have a portal account, simply log in.
