Where To Go for Medical Care

When you experience a sudden unexpected illness or an injury, you want to be seen right away. Yet not all concerns are life-threatening and therefore may not warrant a trip to the emergency room. Choosing the right location can save you time and money while ensuring you get the right treatment.

Primary Care

For all non-life-threatening emergencies, always call your primary care provider first. Your provider knows your history and can advise you when to use the other options for care. Most offices offer same-day appointments for sudden illness plus after-hours triage.

When to Go

• Minor illness or injury
• Allergies, asthma, cold, cough, flu, sore throat (call ahead so we may safely see you or schedule a Video Visit)
• Medication concerns
• Routine health exams and vaccinations
• Ongoing care for chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease
• Non-life-threatening symptoms that you've been experiencing for a while

Find a Doctor

E-Visit

You can send a secure message to your care team through MyChart whenever you have time – day or night – and your care team will typically respond in one to two business days. It looks and feels very similar to texting on your smart phone, only it’s more secure. Depending on your needs and schedule, this can be a great alternative to an in-person, video or telephone visit. Choose E-Visit or Video Visit whenever possible for contagious conditions that do not require an in-person examination.

When to Go

• To ask a non-emergency question of your care team.
• When you aren't sure if your symptoms/conditions need to be evaluated in person.
• For contagious conditions, so that we may offer options to safely see you without exposure to others.

E-Visits

Video Visit

Secure, online video appointment with your primary care provider or a specialist. You will need a smart device or computer with a camera and broadband internet connection. Choose E-Visit or Video Visit whenever possible for contagious conditions that do not require an in-person examination.

When to Go

• Allergies, Cold, Cough, Flu, Sore Throat
• Follow-up visits with your primary care provider for an established condition (ask your doctor)
• Eye infections
• Rashes, bites, stings, minor burns
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Consultation with a specialist outside your local area

Call your provider's office to learn whether a video visit is an option for your specific symptoms or condition.

Video Visits

Urgent Care

In-person visits for minor illness or injury when your regular doctor is not available.

• Convenient evening or weekend hours.
• On-site X-ray
• Walk-in to be seen first come, first served

When to Go

Minor illnesses and injuries, including but not limited to:

• Acid reflux
• Allergies, asthma, cold, cough, flu, sore throat
• Lacerations and wounds requiring sutures
• Minor cuts and scrapes
• Ear and eye infections
• Rashes, bites, stings, minor burns
• Strains, sprains and broken bones
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
• Physicals for school or sports
• Occupational Health Services including pre-employment/DOT physicals and drug testing and work-related injuries

Urgent Care

Walk-In Care

In-person visits for minor illness or injury when your regular doctor is not available.

• Extended evening hours
• Located in Harrison, Mt. Pleasant and Tawas City
• Walk in or call your MyMichigan primary care provider to schedule.

When to Go

For minor illnesses when your regular doctor is not available, including, but not limited to:

• Acid reflux
• Allergies, asthma, cold, cough, flu, sore throat
• Minor cuts and scrapes
• Eye and ear infections
• Rashes, bites, stings, minor burns
• Urinary tract infection
• Strains, sprains and broken bones (Mt. Pleasant only)

Walk-In Care

Emergency Room

Emergency physicians are experts in life-threatening situations like the ones listed below. Their goal is to provide the initial diagnosis and treatment needed to stabilize your condition and then they will typically refer you back to your regular doctor or to a specialist for any follow-up care that is needed.

In an emergency, Don’t Wait and Don’t Drive yourself or a loved one to the emergency room. Instead, Dial 911 or your local ambulance service.

When to Go

Choose the emergency department for all life-threatening emergencies, as:

• Heart Attack - chest pain, pressure or tightness; shortness of breath
• Stroke - sudden onset of dizziness, blurred vision, abnormal speech or weakness
• Major trauma, including head injuries, severe bleeding or broken bones
• Abdominal pain, coughing or vomiting blood
• Poisoning or overdose
• Thoughts of harming yourself or others

The Emergency Room is not the appropriate place to go for non-life threatening illness, contagious conditions or chronic conditions. Don’t wait until these conditions become a life-threatening situation. Call your primary care provider and seek guidance early.

Emergency Rooms