Primary Care Vs. Urgent Care: What’s the Difference? 

Determining where to go to seek medical treatment can be confusing. Have you ever needed immediate medical care for something but weren’t sure where to go? Should you go to your primary care doctor? Would urgent care be the better option? Is it serious enough for the emergency room?  

Deciding whether or not to go to the Emergency Room is straightforward. ER care is needed in situations that involve life-threatening conditions such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, severe headache, severe dizziness, severe vomiting, bleeding that will not stop, or a broken bone that sticks out of the skin. If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to a hospital emergency room near you, such as Atrium Health Mercy Emergency Department.  

For health concerns and medical issues that are not as serious, here is a closer look at how primary care and urgent care differ and how to make sure you are choosing the right form of care to meet your needs. 

Visit AFC Urgent Care Monroe Road today. 

Primary Care 

Primary care includes health care providers, usually family medicine doctors, internists, and pediatricians who are trained and skilled in health maintenance, patient education, and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses. Patients looking for long term medical care usually choose a doctor through their health insurance provider’s website based on who is in-network, accepting new patients, and is located close to their home or office. 

To see a primary care doctor, you must schedule a visit. These offices do not accept walk-ins normally. In addition to performing annual physical exams, primary care doctors also diagnose and treat minor illnesses and injuries. When unexpected health concerns occur on evenings or weekends, scheduling a visit with your primary care doctor isn’t always possible. It is not advised to delay medical care if you cannot secure an appointment with your primary care doctor as it could lead to increased pain or discomfort. 

Many patients are increasingly turning to urgent care centers for a wider range of healthcare needs. The top three reasons given by patients for not visiting a PCP include that it took too long to get an appointment, lengthy wait times at the doctor’s office, and no walk-in appointments available. 

Primary Care Pro and Con: 

• Focus: Long-term and comprehensive health management, building a relationship with a specific provider. 
• Best for: Regular check-ups, managing chronic conditions, preventive care, and non-emergency issues that can wait for an appointment. 
• Conditions treated: Ongoing health concerns like managing chronic illness, follow-up care, and minor, non-urgent ailments. 
• Scheduling: Requires appointments, which are typically scheduled in advance. 
• Hours: Generally limited to standard business hours.  

Urgent Care 

In most cases, urgent care can provide the same level of care as a primary care doctor’s office. However, the major difference is that there is no need to schedule an appointment, and you can be seen the very same day you realize you need medical attention. Urgent care clinics offer extended hours during the week, plus weekend appointments and even holidays. They also take most major insurance, just like primary care, but there is usually no need to worry about whether the clinic is in-network. 

If you need affordable, convenient care, contact AFC and book an appointment.    

Urgent Care Pros:

• Focus: Immediate treatment for acute, non-emergency conditions. 
• Best for: Sudden illnesses or injuries that need prompt care when a primary care doctor is unavailable. 
• Conditions treated: Sprains, rashes, minor burns, minor cuts needing stitches, flu, infections, and other issues that need immediate attention but are not life-threatening. 
• Scheduling: No appointment is usually needed; walk-ins are welcome. 
• Hours: Longer hours than primary care, often including evenings and weekends. 

Visit AFC Urgent Care today 

Looking for urgent care near you? AFC offers a full range of primary care services, including annual physical exams, school and sports physicals, and vaccinations, all with no appointment needed. AFC delivers the same comprehensive care as a primary care physician, but without lengthy waits or inconvenient hours. Our experienced physicians treat patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. 

So next time you have an urgent medical issue or just need a general check-up, head over to the nearest AFC and get the right care for you when you need it. Walk in or book an appointment today to be seen by our providers.