Choosing the right care

Telehealth, urgent care, or the ER: which one fits your situation?

Not every medical concern belongs in the same care setting. This page helps you understand when online care, urgent care, or the emergency room is the right choice.

What to know

Matching your concern to the right care setting matters

Going to the wrong care setting wastes time and money. The ER is built for emergencies. Urgent care handles problems that need a hands-on exam but are not life-threatening. Telehealth works for common concerns that a physician can review without being in the room.

Start telehealth screening See what we treat

Have ready

A clear description of your main symptom
How long the symptom has been present
Whether the symptom is getting worse, stable, or improving
Any medications you are taking and known allergies

May be a good fit

Telehealth: UTI symptoms, sinus congestion, allergies, simple rashes, pink eye, cold sores, dandruff, acne, and similar focused concerns
Urgent care: minor injuries, cuts (lacerations) needing stitches, sprains, problems needing X-rays or rapid tests, persistent vomiting or dehydration
ER: chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, severe bleeding, high fever with confusion, allergic reactions with throat swelling

Not the right setting

If you are unsure whether your symptoms are an emergency, call 911 or go to the ER
Do not use telehealth if you need a hands-on exam, labs, imaging (such as X-rays or scans), or IV fluids (fluids through a vein)
Do not delay ER care for cost reasons if you have emergency symptoms

When should I go to the ER instead of using telehealth?

Go to the ER for chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden weakness on one side, severe bleeding, high fever with confusion, severe allergic reactions, or any symptom that feels life-threatening.

When is urgent care better than telehealth?

Urgent care is better when the problem needs a physical exam, stitches, a splint, X-rays, rapid strep or flu testing, IV fluids (fluids through a vein), or similar hands-on care.

Can telehealth send me to urgent care or the ER?

Yes. If the physician decides your concern is not safe to handle online, we will tell you to get care in person.