Urgent Care, Walk-In Care, Primary Care, or Virtual Care: Know Where to Go

Content medically reviewed by: Michael Haarstad, MD, Associate Medical Director for Population Health and Physician Advisors

When you’re sick or hurt, knowing where to start can be confusing. At Essentia Health, you have options—your primary care provider (PCP), urgent and walk-in care, and virtual visits. Choosing the right setting for your medical care can save you time and money while still providing the care you need. If you think you’re experiencing an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

“Where you go for care—primary care, urgent and walk-in care, virtual visits, or even the emergency department—depends on your symptoms, age, and overall health,” said Michael Haarstad, MD, an emergency medicine physician and associate medical director for population health and physician advisors at Essentia Health. “Picking the right setting can save time and cost without sacrificing safety. If you’re unsure, call your clinic or the Essentia Nurse Care Line—our team can guide you.”

Use this guide to determine where to go when seeking care.

When to Go to Your Primary Care Provider

A primary care provider is often your best first stop, as they treat most nonemergency conditions. In addition to providing checkups, screenings, immunizations, and referrals to specialists, they can diagnose and provide care for many of your health concerns, including mental health issues or a sore throat. Your provider can assess your symptoms to determine if you need further tests or a higher level of care.

Visit your provider for these symptoms and conditions –

• Allergies
• Back pain
• Bladder infections
• Cold symptoms, like cough and congestion
• Depression symptoms, like sadness and irritability
• Digestive problems, like nausea and vomiting
• Ear pain
• Fever
• Flu symptoms
• Migraines

Your primary care provider knows you better than other medical providers so they can offer personalized care based on your medical history.

If you are unsure about what to do and do not have one of the problems listed above, call your clinic. Your provider may offer same-day appointments, allowing you to receive advice or assistance quickly if it is not an emergency. You can also call the Essentia Nurse Care Line at 1-800-714-4646. The Essentia Nurse Care line is staffed by registered nurses 24/7 who can answer questions and assist with decisions on where to seek care.

When to Visit an Urgent Care or Walk-in Care

Urgent care and walk-in care are good options when you need medical attention fast, but the problem is not a life-threatening emergency. Urgent and walk-in care providers can often help you with minor illnesses or injuries much faster than in an emergency room. Sometimes they can even provide diagnostic tests, such as certain blood and urine tests.“Urgent care centers and walk-in clinics often provide much of the same treatment your PCP does,” Dr. Haarstad said. “But urgent and walk-in care locations are usually open later during the week and on the weekend when your provider’s office isn’t.”

Choosing urgent care or a walk-in clinic might be right if you have problems or symptoms like these –

• Low-grade fever
• Migraines
• Mild burns, which may be red, swollen, and painful
• Mild nausea and vomiting
• Minor broken bones
• Minor cuts and burns
• Minor eye injuries
• Persistent cough
• Rashes
• Sprains or strains
• Urinary tract infection symptoms, including cloudy or foul-smelling urine

When to Get Virtual Care

Virtual visits allow you to connect with an Essentia clinician via video visit, often from the convenience and comfort of your own home. They’re a good fit when you don’t need a hands-on exam. If your clinician thinks in-person care is best, they’ll guide you to the right location.Virtual care can include –

• Bladder infection in healthy, nonpregnant adults
• Diagnosing skin problems, including rashes, insect bites or acne
• Getting treated for a sickness like a cold or flu
• Mild stomach illnesses
• Pink eye without vision changes
• Sinus issues
• Talking about your mental health

At Essentia Health, the first step to a virtual appointment is to visit our virtual care webpage to get started or view our care options.

In Conclusion

Hopefully, this will demystify when to choose between urgent care, walk-in care, primary care, virtual care, or the emergency room for your healthcare needs.

Knowing the difference ahead of time can help you get the right care fast. In general, try to remember these two rules –

1. Call your provider if you’re not sure where to go.
2. Call 911 and go to the emergency room if you have chest pain or pressure, stroke symptoms, believe the injury or illness is life-threatening, or have an emergency that could cause permanent disability if it’s not treated soon.