Urgent Care vs. Primary Care: When and Where to Go

Similarities and differences between urgent care and primary care

Seeking medical care after an injury or illness can be stressful. Not only are you dealing with a medical problem, but you also may not know where to go. While primary care and urgent care clinics diagnose and treat many of the same conditions and concerns, there are significant nuances between these health care services.

In this article, we’ll outline the differences between primary and urgent care and recommend where and when to go based on your condition.

When & Why to Go to Urgent Care

Urgent care is a form of care for non-emergency health concerns that require immediate medical attention or treatment but do not appear to be life-threatening. Because primary care clinics do not offer walk-in services, urgent care facilities allow patients to be seen as soon as possible without waiting a few days for an available appointment.

Common medical conditions treated at an urgent care center include:

• Minor illnesses (like the common cold and flu)
• Minor injuries (like sprains and strains)
• Ear infections
• Sinus infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Some skin infections
• Severe sore throat or strep throat
• Animal and insect bites
• Vomiting and diarrhea

Many urgent care clinics offer diagnostic testing and imaging services to detect internal injuries or illnesses. Before going to an urgent care clinic, check if they provide services like X-rays, CT scans, and blood tests. Checking out services ahead of time can save you the hassle of waiting for an appointment only to be sent to a different clinic for a diagnosis.

When & Why to Go to Primary Care

Primary care is a term used to categorize several medical practices that provide continuous and comprehensive care to patients of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Primary care providers have the clinical experience and training to diagnose, treat, and help prevent various medical issues. These health care providers are usually a patient's first point of contact, meaning you will likely see them before seeing any other doctor in the health care system.

A primary care provider (PCP) is a doctor or clinician who offers primary care services. A PCP is also known as a primary care doctor, family medicine doctor, or primary care physician. It’s important to note that not all primary care providers are medical doctors. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are also classified as PCPs but do not have a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.

Some medical services offered by primary care providers include:

• Annual physical exams
• Routine check-ups
• Vaccinations
• Lab testing (blood and urinalysis)
• Injury treatment (applying splints, casts, slings, etc.)
• Medication prescription
• Medical advice for general wellness
• Chronic condition management
• Preventative care strategies (like dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes)
• Cancer screenings

Many people have used the same PCP for several years. Family doctors often treat members of an entire family and thus have detailed knowledge of a patient’s medical history and genetic predisposition for certain conditions.

Primary care providers are crucial in diagnosing, managing, and preventing many health concerns. If a PCP determines that you need specialized care, they will refer you to a specialist to help you get it. In many cases, health insurance plans will only cover a visit to a specialist with a referral from a primary care provider.

Urgent Care vs. Primary Care

If you are experiencing a non-life-threatening medical condition that requires medical attention right away, you should go to an urgent care clinic. Nearly all urgent care clinics are walk-in clinics, meaning you can show up and receive treatment immediately (depending on the wait time). Primary care doctor’s offices require an appointment to be seen, so you will likely not receive attention for a medical issue for a few days.

Go to an urgent care clinic for:

• A wound or cut that may require stitches
• A minor injury like a sprain or strain
• Minor broken bones (like breaks in the hand, wrist, or foot)
• Non-life-threatening symptoms like a sore throat, coughing, itching, or swelling
• Minor breathing issues (like asthma-related shortness of breath)
• Symptoms of infection or rashes

In addition to walk-in availability, urgent care centers usually offer extended “after-hours” availability, meaning you can be seen for a medical concern after other businesses have closed. Before going to a clinic, check out their hours online to see if you can receive walk-in urgent care services before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.

What to Do In Case of Emergency

While urgent care clinics are set up to help you get seen quickly, there are still usually wait times. If you are experiencing signs or symptoms of a condition requiring immediate treatment, call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Indications of a life-threatening condition include:

• Chest pain (common during heart attacks)
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing
• Choking
• Sustained bleeding that won’t stop
• Persistent or severe vomiting
• Vomiting blood
• Head or neck injuries
• Loss of consciousness and fainting
• Sudden dizziness or weakness
• Severe stomach or abdominal pain
• Severe sudden pain in the body

These symptoms require immediate emergency care. Do not go to an urgent care clinic if you are experiencing any of the signs listed above. Instead, call 9-1-1 or arrange to be taken to the nearest emergency department.

Urgent Care Cost

Urgent care centers are generally cheaper than primary care clinics. However, the exact price depends on whether or not you receive additional diagnostic testing (like an X-ray scan) or advanced care (like casting a bone). A primary care visit (without insurance) often costs about $150-$600, depending on the services you require. In contrast, an urgent care visit (without insurance) costs between $100-$200. Exact prices depend on whether or not you have insurance, your specific insurance plan, and any additional services you may need.

Sesame offers online urgent care visits nationwide with licensed urgent care providers.

During these convenient and affordable online appointments, you can discuss your symptoms, get a visual examination of your physical symptoms, and screen for certain conditions.

You may need to book an in-person visit for a definitive diagnosis. If follow-up testing, blood work, or a physical examination is required, a visit to a clinic may be required. Your provider will discuss the next steps.

Save up to 60% on urgent care when you book an appointment through Sesame.