ER, Immediate Care, or Primary Care: How to Know Where to Go

When a health issue comes up, knowing where to go can save time, money, and even lives. Here, we turn to Liberty Erfe, DNP, RN, Director of Population Health at Riverside Healthcare. She explains how to decide between the emergency room, immediate care, and primary care.

Erfe has worked at Riverside for more than two decades. She started as a nurse assistant and now leads programs that help patients get the right care at the right time. “It is important for patients to know where to go before a medical issue arises,” she states. “Having a plan helps minimize stress and confusion when emotions run high and every second counts.”

The emergency room (ER) is for life-threatening or severe conditions that need immediate treatment. This includes:
•    chest pain
•    head trauma
•    severe abdominal pain
•    major injuries

It is also the place for when signs of a stroke appear. For example, sudden confusion, facial drooping, or weakness on one side of the body. These are situations where minutes can make the difference in survival or recovery. 

Immediate care is the place to go for non-life-threatening problems still needing prompt attention. It’s designed for patients who can’t get in to see their primary doctor but shouldn’t wait several days for an appointment. Immediate care providers can handle things like: 
•    sprains
•    earaches
•    urinary tract infections
•    minor cuts
•    colds
•    flu symptoms

Riverside’s Immediate Care centers see patients 18 months and older. This department can even handle school or sports physicals. (It is also often called urgent care.)  Primary care is your home base for health. This is where you go for: 
•    checkups
•    vaccinations
•    management of long-term conditions (high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma)

Primary care providers also help coordinate specialist referrals. And, they follow up after hospital or ER visits. Having a trusted provider means your care stays connected and consistent.

Why It Matters

Going to the wrong place can lead to unnecessary costs, longer wait times, or delays in treatment. The ER provides critical care but is the most expensive option. While immediate and primary care visits are often quicker and less costly. “Choosing the right setting reduces strain on the healthcare system and the patient,” explains Erfe. “Doing so lowers costs, improves outcomes, and maximizes resources.”

In contrast, using the ER for non-emergency problems can overwhelm hospital staff. In turn, then delay care for people in true crisis. For patients, it can also mean higher out-of-pocket costs for conditions they could have managed elsewhere.

The Role of Telehealth

Riverside’s telehealth services make care even more accessible. Through video visits, patients can connect with healthcare providers from home for common concerns like: 
•    rashes
•    cold symptoms
•    medication follow-ups

Telehealth visits are available to Illinois residents ages two and older. “Our healthcare professionals ensure you receive the same great care whether through telehealth or in person,” assures Erfe. 

Choosing the Right Care

The key is to think about urgency and severity. If someone is in danger or experiencing severe pain, the ER is the best option. If it’s something that can’t wait but isn’t life-threatening, immediate care is ideal. For ongoing health needs, routine issues, or preventive care, primary care provides the best long-term solution.

Erfe also reminded listeners to stay proactive. “I encourage everyone to get the health screenings they need to detect and prevent common diseases. That includes breast, stomach, or lung cancer, osteoporosis, and diabetes,” she urges.

Knowing where to go before an emergency happens ensures faster treatment, lower costs, and better care. For more information on Riverside’s primary care, immediate care, or telehealth services, visit riversidehealthcare.org.