Should I Go to Primary Care, Urgent Care or the Emergency Room?

With more healthcare options than ever, it can be challenging to determine the best course of action when you or a loved one is sick or hurt. When should you make an appointment with your doctor? How 'urgent' is urgent care? Is it time to go to the emergency room?

Using the information below, assess the condition or symptoms you are facing to select the appropriate place for care.

Why is primary care your first choice?

Your primary care provider (PCP) is your trusted source for most of your healthcare needs. They know your medical history and provide ongoing care for both chronic conditions and general wellness.

Visit your primary care provider for:

High blood pressure
Diabetes
Arthritis and joint pain
Anxiety and depression
Fatigue
Unexplained weight loss or gain
Back pain
Acid reflux
Management of all chronic diseases
Difficulty sleeping
Constipation
Disease screenings (cholesterol, diabetes, etc.)
Physicals or yearly check-ups
Medication refills

PCPs can also treat short-term issues like sinus infections, colds, or urinary symptoms. Plus, with Ochsner’s MyOchsner virtual visits, you can stay connected to your provider from the comfort of home.

If you are experiencing increasing symptoms of a chronic issue that is not an emergency, you can also reach out to your medical specialist, such as your cardiologist, gastroenterologist or OB/GYN.

When should you choose urgent care?

Urgent care is perfect for non-life-threatening issues that need attention quickly but don’t require a visit to the emergency room. Open after hours and on weekends, these clinics provide immediate care for walk-ins without the need for an appointment.

If you are unable to see your primary care physician or need immediate attention, you can visit an urgent care for:

Cold, cough, flu, sinus problems, fever
Sore throat and strep throat
Flu test
COVID test
Ear pain or infection
Eye irritation or pink eye
Urinary tract infection
Sutures for lacerations and injuries requiring casting
Abscess
Insect and animal bites
Rashes and minor burns
Sprains, strains and possible closed fractures (no open wound)
Minor head injury
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Mild abdominal pain
Mild asthma attack
Migraine or mild headache
Allergic reactions or allergies

Ochsner’s urgent care clinics also offer services like immunizations and more. No appointment is required, and walk-ins are welcome, so it’s a great option when your PCP isn’t available.

Is it time for the emergency room?

Emergency rooms (ERs) are reserved for severe or life-threatening situations. If the issue could put your life or well-being at risk, the ER is the place to go.

Go to your nearest emergency room for these conditions:

Chest pain
Shortness of breath or a severe asthma attack
Heart palpitations
Loss of consciousness or fainting
Uncontrollable bleeding
Broken bone (with deformity or open wound)
Seizures
Severe abdominal pain
Severe headache
Weakness, slurred speech or confusion
Major head injuries
Severe burns
Severe pain
Suicidal or homicidal thoughts
Loss of eyesight

For emergencies, every minute counts. Call 911 or go to the nearest ER without delay. Ochsner’s emergency rooms are open 24/7 to provide critical care when you need it most.

Can a virtual visit meet your needs?

Online virtual visits are a convenient option when you're unable to leave home or don’t need an in-person visit. Through video appointments, you can connect with a licensed provider for quick evaluation and guidance. You can access virtual visits two ways:

Ochsner Connected Anywhere offers urgent care on-demand visits.
Virtual Visits through MyOchsner are secure video appointments with an Ochsner provider.

Using your smartphone, tablet or computer, you can speak directly with a doctor who will assess your symptoms and give you a recommendation or if necessary, a prescription for certain conditions. Schedule a virtual visit for:

Headaches
Low back pain
Immunizations
Chronic disease management
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
High blood sugar
Nonlife-threatening allergic reactions
Minor burns or injuries
Mild asthma
Mild to moderate stomach aches
Nonlife-threatening allergic reactions
Minor burns or injuries
Mild asthma
Rashes or other skin irritations
Mild to moderate chest pain

If you're uncertain where to go, Ochsner on Call is here to help. This nurse care line is available 24/7 to provide advice, answer your questions, and guide you to the right level of care.

By understanding your options, you can make confident decisions and get the care you need promptly. Whether it’s seeing your primary care provider, visiting an Ochsner urgent care, using virtual services or relying on an ER for emergencies, you have access to expert care when and where it’s needed.