Urgency vs. Emergency—A Guide for Navigating Your Care Needs

During flu and bad weather seasons, it's especially important to know your care options. Use this quick guide to navigate your choices and pick what's best for you or your loved one. 

MyChart 

MyChart offers an easy way to manage your family's healthcare anytime, anywhere, at no charge. 

This is also where you can:

• View recent test results 
• Look at your medical history
• Request prescription refills
• Book appointments and complete check-in steps prior to arrival
• Set communication preferences, including text notifications
• Join a waitlist for earlier appointments
• Access assigned health education videos related to your care
• And more!

Primary Care 

Primary Care is dedicated to you and your healthcare needs. It focuses on ensuring you receive the right care at the right time to support a healthier you. Offering same-day appointments when needed helps prevent health issues and promotes the best possible health results.   

Visit a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant for:   

• Managing chronic conditions
• Acute injury and illness such as strains, sprains, cold and flu symptoms, sore throat
• Skin conditions
• Physicals and preventative screenings
• Referrals to specialists, as appropriate
• Mental health care
• Vaccinations, including flu shots
• And many more!

Virtual Primary Care

If you would rather receive care from your home, consider a video visit. Benefits include reduced travel to and from appointments, less time off from work and convenient scheduling. To request an appointment, simply contact your physician’s office. All you need is your smartphone or a computer that has a webcam, microphone and speakers.

Virtual primary care is also a great option when in-person visits aren't possible (due to weather or other circumstances). Job aids about converting in-person visits to virtual visits are available on the Digital Health hub.

Schedule a video visit for the same conditions (listed above) as an in-person visit with your primary care physician. 

Urgent Care

If you have a serious injury or illness that is not life-threatening, and you can't see your regular doctor—or you don't have one—you can visit VelocityCare. They are open every day of the year and help fill the gap between regular doctor visits and the emergency room. VelocityCare is staffed by board-certified physicians and advanced care practitioners, and they offer onsite X-rays and lab tests. Walk in anytime or use Save a Spot to hold your place in line and reduce your wait.  

Visit VelocityCare for:  

• Minor cuts and lacerations 
• Sprains and fractures 
• Earaches 
• Upper respiratory illnesses, coughs, colds, and sore throats 
• Skin rashes 
• Insect bites and stings, minor animal bites 
• Minor burns 
• Minor infections 
• Sports physicals 
• Department of Transportation physicals 

Virtual Urgent Care 

If you think you may be contagious, VelocityCare also offers video appointments. 

Call 540-769-0985 to schedule a virtual visit with a VelocityCare clinician.  

Schedule a virtual appointment for: 

• COVID-19 
• Flu
• Headaches
• Sinus congestion
• Nausea
• Sore throat/strep 
• Rashes

Emergency Department 

Most healthcare needs can be met through primary, video, or urgent care visits. In true emergency situations though, there is no substitute for the Emergency Department.

If you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. Our Emergency Departments offer access to a wide range of specialists and can transfer more serious injuries to our Level 1 Trauma Center.

Go to the emergency room if you experience any of the following: 

• Chest pain 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Severe bleeding 
• Poisoning or vomiting
• Coughing or vomiting blood 
• Intense abdominal pain 
• Sudden numbness, weakness, or confusion
• Severe headache or head trauma  

Review our online care guide in the Additional Resources sidebar to become familiar with the care options available to you.