When you are sick or injured, it can be hard to know where to go. This guide gives general information only.
Emergency room or 911
Seek emergency care for possible serious, life-threatening, or rapidly worsening symptoms such as chest pain, trouble breathing, stroke symptoms, severe allergic reaction, severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, serious head injury, severe burns, sudden severe pain, seizure, or risk of self-harm.
Primary care
Primary care is often a good starting point for ongoing, non-emergency concerns, preventive care, medication refills, chronic condition follow-up, referrals, and test review.
Telehealth
Telehealth may be useful for certain non-emergency concerns, follow-ups, medication questions, mental health visits, and discussing whether in-person care is needed.
Urgent care
Urgent care is often used for problems that need prompt attention but may not be emergencies, such as minor cuts, sprains, mild to moderate illness, sore throat, simple infections, or minor burns.
Questions to ask when unsure
- Is this severe, sudden, or worsening?
- Could waiting be dangerous?
- Do I need imaging, lab tests, stitches, or IV medication?
- Does my insurance have a nurse line?