[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/05\/urgent-care-or-primary-care\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/05\/urgent-care-or-primary-care\/","headline":"Should I Visit Urgent Care or Primary Care?","name":"Should I Visit Urgent Care or Primary Care?","description":"Your health care team should include both a primary care physician and an urgent care clinic. They do many of the same things, so learn which to call and when.","datePublished":"2022-05-19","dateModified":"2025-06-25","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","name":"UPMC","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/GettyImages-1307635845.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/GettyImages-1307635845.jpg","height":867,"width":2000},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/05\/urgent-care-or-primary-care\/","about":["Family Health","Living and Wellness"],"wordCount":533,"articleBody":"It\u2019s always a good idea to have your health care team in place\u00a0before\u00a0you get sick. Ideally, that team should include a primary care physician and a walk-in care location. There\u2019s some service overlap between the two, so it\u2019s helpful to know which to visit and when.What Does a Primary Care Physician Do?Your primary care physician is the doctor who knows your health history inside and out. They\u2019re the doctors you see for a thorough annual checkup each year. They help you manage chronic health care issues and stay healthy.That same doctor also treats you when you\u2019re sick. They can diagnose and treat anything from upper respiratory infections to aches and pains. Your primary care doctor may also refer you to a specialist if you need additional, specialized care for an illness.The benefit of seeing your primary care physician for everything is continuity of care. A primary care doctor coordinates and tracks all your care. You have a long-term relationship, and you work as a team to keep you healthy.A primary care physician is your home base for all your health care needs. When you\u2019re sick, they take into consideration any health conditions or medicines that might need special attention. They\u2019re also in close contact with other members of your health care team, so nothing slips through the cracks.To learn more about Primary Care at UPMC, click here.How Is Urgent Care Different from Primary Care?UPMC\u00a0offers convenient walk-in locations throughout our communities. They\u2019re a great option for minor illnesses and injuries that require prompt care but occur when your regular doctor\u2019s office is closed.Keep in mind walk-in locations are not equipped to handle life-threatening conditions. Instead, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for those.At our walk-in care locations, experienced providers offer immediate care for the following conditions:Asthma and allergies.Colds and flu.Coughs, sore throats, earaches, and sinus infections.Cuts and scrapes.Infections, including pink eye and urinary tract infections.Sprains, strains, minor broken bones, and simple fractures.Skin conditions, from rashes to poison ivy.Vomiting and diarrhea.Unlike your primary care doctor\u2019s office, you don\u2019t need an appointment to visit a walk-in location. You can go whenever it\u2019s convenient. The details of your visit are electronically accessible to your providers throughout UPMC. Their clinicians can also provide basic physicals for work, sports, or camp.Choosing Between Primary Care and Urgent CareYou should see your primary care doctor for your annual checkup and any important, non-urgent, concerns.For routine ongoing care for a chronic health condition like diabetes, you may also continue seeing your primary care doctor.If you have an urgent health care need while your regular primary care doctor\u2019s office is open, call them first. Sometimes, same-day appointments are available. In some cases, they can schedule a video visit with you. You can also choose to visit one of our walk-in care locations.If you are interested in finding a primary care location near you,\u00a0visit our websiteEditor's Note: This article was originally published on May 19, 2022, and was last reviewed on June 25, 2025."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2022","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"05","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/\/05\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Should I Visit Urgent Care or Primary Care?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/05\/urgent-care-or-primary-care\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]