How to Know if I Should Go To An Urgent Care or my Primary Care Provider?

Rite Care Medical Center in Hialeah

It is the weekend, and you find yourself with terrible abdominal pain. You are at work, and a migraine starts to reveal its ugly head. Your back pain has become increasingly worse over the past 24 hours. 

These are all scenarios you may encounter and wonder if urgent care or an appointment with your primary care provider  is appropriate? 

It is essential to be seen timely, have your medical concern addressed, and be cost-efficient. Urgent care centers, including RiteCare Urgent Care Medical Center in Hialeah, are an appropriate option for acute needs for these reasons. 

What If It Is and Emergency?

Without speaking to a doctor, it can be challenging to know if you have a real medical emergency. Experts recommend considering the type of injury or illness, the severity, and the site’s resources.

The benefit of an emergency room is the number of resources available. An emergency room is also attached to a hospital so you can be directly admitted if necessary. Thus the emergency room is an excellent option if you have a life-threatening emergency or think an admission may be required. 

The downfall of emergency rooms is cost and long waits. If you do not have a severe or life-threatening medical need, it may be best to avoid an emergency room if you do not want to end up with an exceptionally costly medical bill. 

Should I Wait and See my Primary Care Provider?

Your primary care provider knows your medical history. Your chart can stay consistent, and your doctor will remain in the loop with all concerns if you make an appointment with your clinic. 

Consider if you have a need that cannot wait for an appointment. Your clinic may also not have the resources to treat many acute conditions. If you are unsure, it is best to call a nurse line to seek guidance. 

Why are Urgent Care Centers a Great Option? 

Urgent care centers have more resources than many primary care clinics. They have access to imaging and labs to obtain quick results. They are well suited to address many acute needs that are considered non-emergency. 

Importantly, they offer hours beyond primary care clinics. Rite Care Medical Center Hialeah is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Urgent care centers are less costly than the emergency room, which is a great benefit. They can transport to an emergency room if a severe or life-threatening condition is determined. 

Rite Care Medical Center in Hialeah

What Rite Care Medical Center Hialeah Can Offer

Rite Care Medical Center in Hialeah is available seven days per week and has walk-in appointments. We can treat many acute care needs, including bladder infections, sore throats, sprains and strains, and back injuries. Also at our  auto clinic in Hialeah, we evaluate and treat a large range of auto injuries. 

We also offer COVID-19 testing. We are here to help, providing high-quality care, with or without insurance. 

If you would like more information about our services, do not hesitate to contact us at (305) 200-1225  or request an appointment today! 

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.