Emergency Care, Urgent Care and Primary Care: Know Where to Go

When your body is telling you something isn’t quite right, the first decision you have to make is where to go for care. Should you rush to the emergency department or would a trip to an urgent care clinic be sufficient? Can it wait for a scheduled appointment with your primary care provider, or do you really need to be seen immediately? 

If these three options feel overwhelming, we are here to help. This guide aims to help you understand the differences in the levels of care, so you can feel prepared if a health concern arises. 

The Emergency Department: When Every Minute Counts

Emergency care has one primary purpose: to stabilize and treat conditions that are immediately life threatening or severe enough that any delay could cause serious harm. Emergency departments are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They are staffed with physicians, nurses and specialists who are trained to handle trauma and critical care cases. They have access to advanced imaging, surgical suites and full laboratory services. 

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, it is important to not delay care. Call 911 and get to the closest emergency care location. CaroMont Health has a Level III Trauma Center at CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia and emergency departments at CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Belmont and Mount Holly.  

Go to the emergency department or call 911 if you are experiencing any of the following: 

If you are ever unsure whether a situation is a true emergency, do not wait. It is always better to be seen and reassured than to delay care that could be critical. 

Urgent Care: Fast Help for What Cannot Wait 

CaroMont Urgent Care locations fill an important gap in the healthcare system. They exist for illnesses and injuries that require same-day attention but are not life-threatening. Most urgent care centers offer walk-in appointments and extended hours for evenings and weekends. This is a great solution when your primary care office is closed and your concern is causing immediate discomfort and cannot safely wait a few days. 

Most urgent care facilities provide on-site diagnostics such as X-rays, lab work and can treat a wide range of common illnesses efficiently. For many adults, urgent care is the right balance between convenience, timely attention and quality care. 

Urgent care is appropriate for: 

When in doubt, call ahead. Staff can advise whether your situation is right for their services or if you should go to the emergency room directly. 

Primary Care: Your Health Before It Becomes an Emergency 

Your primary care provider, whether a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant, is the foundation of your health. They are your go-to expert for all your healthcare needs. This lifelong partnership is one of the most valuable assets you can have in any health-related issue. Primary care is not just for when you are sick. Regular visits are one of the best investments you can make in your long-term health. Annual wellness exams, preventive screenings, vaccinations, blood pressure and cholesterol monitoring, mental health support and medication management are all part of primary care. Establishing care before a problem arises means your provider is already familiar with you and is far better equipped to recognize if something is wrong. 

See your primary care provider for: 

If a concern can safely wait 24 to 48 hours, the best first course of action is to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. Unlike urgent care or emergency providers, your primary care provider knows your full story, and that knowledge leads to care that is truly tailored to you. 

When in Doubt, Trust Your Instincts 

No written guide can replace your knowledge of your own body. If something feels wrong, if a symptom feels different, more alarming or more intense than anything you have experienced before, do not hesitate. Call 911 or go to the closest emergency department. Review our Make the Right Call page for more information on choosing the care that is best for your situation.

Your health is important. Healthcare professionals, from emergency department physicians to urgent care nurses to your longtime primary care provider, are there because they want to help. The first step in getting the care that you deserve is knowing where to turn.