Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association Right Care, Right Place: A Guide for Where to Seek Care
If you’re unsure where to go when you’re sick or injured, you aren’t alone. It can be difficult to know whether you should call your primary care provider, head to an urgent care center, or visit the emergency room.
Choosing the right setting for your condition is important, as it saves you time spent in a waiting room and ensures that emergency resources are available for those who truly need them.
MHA compiled this guidance based on where patients can seek care based on a set of common medical situations.
To be clear: you should not think twice about visiting your local emergency room if you feel that you are in need of immediate and serious care. But if you are experiencing a less serious medical situation, other options may be better for you.
MHA welcomes all healthcare organizations and partners to use these resources to help inform their local communities.