Know Where To Get Care
Sometimes, it’s obvious when you need to go to the emergency department, but other times, it can be more difficult to tell. Here are some tips to help you decide whether you need to head to the emergency room, the nearest urgent care location or your primary care provider. Luckily, you have the whole WakeMed network for support.
Conditions Typically Treated in Primary Care
- Allergic reaction *If you are having difficulty breathing, you should head to the Emergency Room.
- Asthma attack (minor)
- Bronchitis
- Chronic care management
- Colds, cough, flu, fever
- Dehydration
- Ear infections
- Migraines
- Minor burns, cuts/lacerations
- Nausea
- Pink eye
- Sore throat
- Sprain or strain
- Urinary tract infections
Most primary care providers leave room in their schedule for ‘sick’ visits from their regular patients. If it’s after hours or your primary care physician is unavailable, you should visit an urgent care office. Remember, conditions typically seen in primary care can also be addressed at one of our urgent care locations when needed.
Conditions Typically Treated in Urgent Care
- Allergic reactions
- Animal/insect bites
- Cold or flu symptoms
- Dehydration
- Ear and eye infections
- Migraines
- Minor cuts, burns or skin rashes
- Minor injuries
- Nausea
- Occupational medicine
- School, sports, camp and work physicals
- Sinus infections
- Sore throat
- Sprains and minor bone fractures
- Workers' compensation care
Conditions Typically Treated in Emergency Departments
- Chest pain
- Stroke
- *Poisoning
- Severe allergic reaction
- Serious trauma or injury
- Deep cuts or bleeding that won’t stop
- Large bone fractures
- Problems related to pregnancy
- Severe burns
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Abdominal pain
*In North Carolina, call the Carolinas Poison Control Center at (800) 848-6946. Calling the National Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222 connects callers to the nearest poison control center.
A Word about Community Mental Health Crisis Services
Effective October 1, the WakeBrook center for mental health crisis and recovery will temporarily pause operations while Wake County updates the facility for a new provider. If you are seeking services for mental health and/or substance use issues/crisis, please visit Alliance Health's dedicated page for updated services, contact information and hours of operations.