Q. When a concern pops up, patients have multiple options, including heading to an urgent care facility, scheduling a telehealth visit, or simply messaging their doctor through a portal. How does someone know what the smart choice is?
A. Patients should trust their instincts about how urgent the situation is and think about whether a hands-on physical examination is likely to be needed. For questions about your medications, concerns about a test that was done, or minor symptoms, you can use a secure message through the patient portal. A telehealth visit would be ideal when a conversation and an assessment is needed, but a physical exam isn’t essential.
Urgent care, on the other hand, is appropriate for acute problems that need prompt attention and an in-person exam, such as minor injuries or suspected infections. If you’re unsure, reach out to your primary care physician’s office so that your trusted healthcare team can guide you to the appropriate setting. However, when you have any severe symptoms, say, shortness of breath or chest pain, a trip to the E.R. is always the right call.
The best healthcare is the right care at the right time in the right place.
