The Importance Of Urgent Care And Primary Care Visits

In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, urgent and primary care services stand at the forefront of providing essential medical care. They are important in addressing immediate medical needs, keeping you updated on immunizations and necessary health screenings and helping you meet your overall health goals. They also play a critical role in helping patients manage chronic health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, asthma and allergies.

Primary Care: The First Point of Contact

Primary care providers are your go-to medical professionals for urgent and ongoing health needs. They offer a comprehensive approach to address your health issues, help you maintain your overall well-being and meet your health goals. They can also refer you to specialists when needed and talk with you about your personal health history and your family history – making health screening recommendations to ensure you identify potential problems early.

Primary Care And Access

While healthcare access has changed significantly from the onset of COVID-19, the commitment to patient well-being remains unchanged. Using tools like virtual visits has proven beneficial for those who find in-person visits challenging due to time constraints or mobility issues. Today, urgent care and primary care goals continue to focus on uninterrupted, comprehensive patient care.

When To Visit A Primary Care Provider

Understanding when to visit a primary care provider is key to maintaining overall health and well-being. See your primary care provider for:

• Routine health checkups: annual physical exams, vaccinations and screenings
• Chronic disease management: managing conditions like diabetes, hypertension and asthma
• Preventive care: health education, lifestyle counseling and risk assessment
• Non-emergency illnesses: colds, flu, minor infections and general health concerns

When To Visit Urgent Care

Knowing when to visit urgent care is crucial for addressing immediate medical needs that aren't life-threatening. See an urgent care specialist for:

• Minor injuries: sprains, minor cuts and fractures
• Acute illnesses: fever, cough, sore throat, rash, UTI
• Diagnostic services: X-rays, point of care lab tests
• Evening and weekend care: when primary care is not available

Maximize Your Provider Visits

If you need either an urgent care appointment or a visit with your primary care provider, here are a few tips to enhance your experience:

1. Be prepared with a list of symptoms, current medications, questions or concerns to discuss.
2. Use resources like MyChart to access your medical information and communicate with your healthcare team.
3. Understand the important role of technology in healthcare while also understanding the irreplaceable value of in-person appointments for comprehensive evaluations.

"As healthcare continues to evolve, we are embracing innovations like remote patient management to strengthen the bond between patients and their care teams," said Rinal Patel, MD, Virtual Visit Physician Champion at Franciscan ExpressCare. "This commitment to quality care extends to both urgent and primary care settings, ensuring a personalized approach that meets the unique needs of each patient."

My Chart App

With MyChart, all your health information is in one place. See your medications, test results, upcoming appointments, medical bills, price estimates and more when you use MyChart.