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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.

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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, 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, or IV fluids
  • 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, splinting, X-rays, rapid strep or flu testing, IV fluids, or similar hands-on care.

Can telehealth send me to urgent care or the ER?

Yes. If the physician determines your concern is not safe to manage online, you will be redirected to in-person care.