When To Choose Urgent Care Instead Of Primary Care

By Author: Kristen Jones
Total Articles: 4

Having a primary care physician who knows you and your health is a comforting feeling. Seeing the same doctors over a period of years can result in high-quality care. However, even with all the benefits of having a primary care physician, there are situations when you may find that going to urgent care is a better option. If you live in Long Island, New York there may be times when you’ll choose to seek attention at a clinic that offers urgent care in Riverhead. Click here to learn more about urgent care in Long Island.

When Your Regular Doctor Is the Right Choice

Your doctor will most often be the best choice for regular, preventative care and for many other situations as well. Exams, prenatal wellness, in-depth counseling and managing chronic conditions can all be best handled by one of your regular physicians. For instance, if you are managing a condition like diabetes, your doctor can help you monitor your health and can refer you to a nutritionist that will help you understand your special dietary needs. If you need physical therapy to recover from an injury, your doctor will be able recommend the next step in your care. You’ll want to make regular appointments as recommended by your doctor to check your health and get the best care possible. However, because primary care physicians are sometimes busy with a heavy patient load, it may be difficult to see your doctor when you have an illness that needs immediate attention.

When Urgent Care Is the Right Choice

Conditions like infections, sprains or the flu can require quick treatment to prevent an exacerbation of the symptoms. Leaving a urinary tract infection untreated may lead to a worsening of the infection, while walking on a twisted ankle could result in a longer recovery time for the injury. Unfortunately, you may not be able to see your regular doctor as quickly as you need to. In addition, illness and injury don’t always strike during a doctor’s office hours. Even if you can’t see your primary care doctor, there’s no need to suffer untreated. Urgent care in Riverhead is a great option if you need attention but are unable to schedule a same-day appointment with your doctor. Most urgent care clinics don’t require an appointment, and while you might have to wait, you most likely will be able to see a doctor within a reasonable time. Many clinics are open on holidays, weekends or for extended hours. Going to a facility that offers urgent care in Riverhead is preferable to going to an emergency room for a nonemergency situation and much better than getting no medical treatment. Urgent care clinics are staffed with doctors, nurses and other support staff. They can handle quick lab work and other tests. The staff may be able to treat you, prescribe any needed medications and have you on your way in a short time. If you need more care, the doctor at an urgent care in Riverhead may recommend you follow-up with your regular physician.

Urgent care in Riverhead can be a relatively convenient and quick way to get the care you need when your regular doctor is not available. For symptoms that require immediate attention, don’t risk your health by waiting, but consult with the staff at an urgent care clinic.Visit at PBMC Health for more info.