Choosing the best place to receive your health care really matters. No matter where you go for care, be sure to bring a list of your current medications you are taking and your insurance card.

It is well advised to visit your regular health care provider for any continual or recurring medical problems you might be experiencing. By seeing your provider, you’ll receive the best care because they are familiar with you and your medical history. This also helps you manage your health over time. Your doctor regularly treats common illnesses, minor injuries, conducts your routine health exams and provides medical advice for health problems based on your medical history.

If you develop an acute condition such as pink eye, strep throat or the common cold, you can still be treated by your doctor. Doctor’s office business hours vary but many, like MHP Family & Internal Medicine, have walk-in clinics where established (current) patients can be seen even without an appointment. MHP also offers a convenient Patient Portal where you can communicate with some providers and even request appointments online.

When your physician is not available, urgent care clinics like MHP Priority Care, provide attention for non-life-threatening problems that could become worse if you wait. When you have a medical problem that needs immediate attention, and your regular provider is not available, urgent care is the ideal place to go because they have evening and weekend hours. MHP Priority Care is open Monday - Friday from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the weekends.

When you are experiencing a very serious or life-threatening medical issue, you should use a hospital emergency room. Sometimes a severe medical problem requires a call to 911. If the problem is very serious, don’t wait – go to the ER or call 911 right away. However, emergency rooms aren’t the place to seek treatment for common illnesses, minor injuries or routine health exams.

For more detailed information on how to choose where to go for healthcare visit: mymhp.org/wheretogo

*This content is a guide and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek and follow the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider. Reach out to your provider with any questions you may have regarding a specific medical condition.