Urgent Care vs. Primary Care: Understanding the Differences

June 15, 2023

Getting medical checkups can ensure your health is stable without underlying issues. However, the clinic you go to depends on the medical services you need. So, here are the differences between urgent care and primary care.

What Is Primary Care?

Primary care includes pediatricians, medicine doctors, and internists specializing in disease prevention, health promotion, patient education, diagnosing and treating illnesses, and counseling. Patients should visit primary care facilities for routine doctor appointments, such as physical exams.

Furthermore, primary care doctors compile your complete medical history from previous visits to current appointments to prevent future health obstacles. Lastly, primary care doctors can help diagnose and treat various injuries and illnesses.

What Is Urgent Care?

Urgent care centers provide same-day medical services, offering treatments and services for ailments requiring immediate attention. They typically provide services seven days a week, including the weekends and holidays.

When your primary care isn’t available, you can visit urgent care for minor skin infections, rashes, burns, non-life-threatening allergic reactions, minor abrasions, cuts, UTIs, and respiratory problems. Patients can receive medical advice and services at their earliest convenience throughout the week.

Which Is Right for You?

Now that we’ve discussed the differences between urgent care and primary care, which one is right for you? It can vary on what you need most. Firstly, primary care should be your first choice if you need to schedule a routine appointment regarding your previous medical history. Otherwise, urgent care can work for minor medical situations where you need immediate care.

Primary care and urgent care can both provide quality medical treatment. However, if you’re experiencing life-threatening symptoms, go to the emergency room to receive help.

For non-life-threatening emergencies, illnesses, and injuries, our AFC Urgent Care facilities can help patients get back on the right track to recovery. Our highly trained medical professionals educate and assist patients in diagnoses and treatments. Our primary care doctors offer convenience for you and your entire family, providing care for minor injuries and illnesses, routine vaccinations, wellness checks, and lab testing to ensure your health and wellness. Contact our professional staff today if you have any questions about our medical knowledge and services.

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