Worried that sore throat is strep? Did you get a deep cut while slicing vegetables? Haven’t had a check-up in years? No matter what your medical need is, SSM Health offers the right place for the right care. But, how do you know which one is right for you?
According to Kelli Koons, MD, a primary care provider with SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – Shawnee, emergency departments, urgent cares and primary care clinics provide the best outcomes when patients utilize the appropriate level of care for their specific needs.
“Each setting serves a distinct purpose in the health care system,” Dr. Koons explained.
Emergency Department
According to Dr. Koons, emergency departments are designed to manage life-threatening or severe medical emergencies. “Patients experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, fractures or suspected poisoning should seek immediate care at the nearest ED,” she said. “Emergency departments are equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities to rapidly address complex and critical conditions.”
Urgent Care
Urgent care or express clinics are most appropriate for minor, acute illnesses or injuries that require prompt attention but are not emergencies, Dr. Koons said. “These facilities are ideal when a rapid clinical evaluation is needed.” She explained that common conditions treated in urgent care facilities include minor infections, mild asthma exacerbations, sprains and minor cuts.
Dr. Koons said that urgent care visits typically focus on a single concern and may lack the context of a patient's broader medical history. As a result, underlying or developing health issues may go undetected.
“While urgent care clinics offer convenience, relying on them exclusively for health care can result in fragmented and reactive care.
Primary Care
Primary care providers serve as the foundation of long-term health management. Once you have established a relationship with them, they are uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive care, as they are familiar with your medical history, medication regimen and prior interventions.
“A significant advantage of primary care is the ability to deliver both preventive and acute care in the context of a patient's overall health picture,” Dr. Koons explained. “PCPs provide continuity of care, monitor trends in health data and offer early interventions that can prevent disease progression. They perform comprehensive physical exams and are better positioned to detect subtle changes in a patient's health, behavior or functional status.”
Additionally, Dr. Koons said, specialist referrals, medication refills and chronic disease management are typically handled by primary care providers. Specialists often require confirmation of an established primary care provider before accepting a referral to ensure appropriate coordination and follow-up.
“Establishing care with a primary care provider fosters trust, improves communication and enhances the quality and efficiency of care across a patient's lifespan," she said.
Know Where to Go:
Emergency Room
Provides care for severe symptoms and the most complex or critical needs, including life and limb-threatening situations, such as:
- shortness of breath
- stroke symptoms
- serious burns or cuts
- seizures
- loss of consciousness
- chest pain, left arm or left jaw pain
- heart attack symptoms
- severe allergic reactions
- multiple injuries or possible broken bones
Emergency departments are open 24/7. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
Urgent Care
Urgent or express care clinics are for medical conditions that need to be treated right away, but are not emergencies, such as:
- acid reflux/GERD
- cold, cough, flu, fever
- sore throat
- fever without rash
- vomiting or persistent diarrhea
- upper respiratory infection
- urinary tract infection
- lice
- yeast infections
- pink eye/conjunctivitis
- mild wheezing/shortness of breath
- sprains and strains
- small cuts that may require stitches
Urgent care clinics are usually open more hours than a primary care clinic, but not 24/7. Find a SSM Health Urgent Care near you and check their hours.
Primary Care Clinic
A primary care provider is a patient’s first point of care, managing their health through routine wellness visits and screenings, as well as non-emergency illnesses. They are responsible for routine health maintenance, including:
- annual physical exams
- vaccinations
- chronic disease management
- medication adjustments
- coordination of referrals to specialists
Primary care providers also monitor trends in laboratory and diagnostic results, enabling early detection of disease and more effective intervention.
Find a SSM Health primary care physician. Hours vary by location.
Whether you need emergency, urgent or primary care services, you can find the location nearest you at ssmhealth.com/locations
