When to Visit a Clinic vs. the Emergency Room

When a health concern arises, it can be difficult to know where to go for care. Should you visit a Health by Design clinic, or should you head straight to the Emergency Room?

Choosing the right place for care can help you receive treatment quickly and appropriately. While many illnesses, injuries, and routine medical concerns can be treated at a clinic, some symptoms require immediate emergency care.

A simple way to remember when emergency care may be needed is ABCD:

Airway, Breathing, Circulation, and Disability.

If you experience any new or sudden symptoms affecting any of these areas,

call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest Emergency Room immediately.

Remember the ABCDs of Emergency Care

Knowing the ABCDs can help you recognize symptoms that may require immediate medical attention.

A - Airway Emergencies

• Choking

• Inability to swallow

• Severe allergic reactions causing swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

B - Breathing Emergencies

• Severe shortness of breath

• Difficulty breathing

• Sudden wheezing

• Inability to catch your breath

C - Circulation Emergencies

• Chest pain or pressure

• Uncontrolled bleeding

• Fainting or loss of consciousness

• Serious burns, trauma, or major injury

D - Disability (Brain & Mind) Emergencies

• Sudden numbness, weakness, or paralysis, especially on one side of the body

• Facial drooping

• Slurred speech

• Sudden confusion

• Seizures or convulsions

When a Clinic May Be the Right Place

Not every health concern requires a trip to the Emergency Room. Health by Design clinics are often the right choice for non-emergency medical needs, including:

• Routine illnesses: Care for common illnesses and everyday health concerns.

• Preventive care: Wellness visits and proactive support to help you stay healthy.

• Chronic condition management: Ongoing care and support for chronic health conditions.

• Minor injuries: Treatment for non-life-threatening injuries and concerns.

• Follow-up care: Continued care and ongoing treatment to support your health.

When in Doubt, Don't Delay

Knowing where to go can help ensure you receive the right care at the right time.

Remember the ABCDs: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, and Disability. If you experience new or sudden symptoms involving any of these areas, don't wait to seek emergency care.

For routine illnesses, preventive care, chronic condition management, minor injuries, and other non-emergency concerns, your Health by Design clinic is here to support you.