As patients, we can’t always predict when a medical injury or illness will occur, making a trip to the doctor’s office not always ideal. Fortunately, urgent care services can help bridge the gap in care during those times when it may be impossible to be seen immediately by your primary care provider (PCP).
TPMG is proud to partner with Sentara Urgent Care to offer non-emergency treatment for minor injuries and illnesses outside normal office hours, or in the event that a same-day appointment is not available with your primary care doctor. To find participating Sentara Urgent Care locations, hours, and registration links for TPMG patients, visit TPMG Urgent Care.
What is Urgent Care?
Urgent Care is an immediate medical service for those with moderate to serious injury or illness that doesn’t require emergency services. While time-sensitive, urgent care addresses non-life-threatening conditions that still require prompt treatment. Individuals requiring urgent care may undergo a medical examination, some forms of testing, outpatient procedures, or simply require a diagnosis or prescription. Urgent care services should never replace the services of a primary care provider (PCP) but are available for patients who require medical attention without delay.
Does TPMG offer Urgent Care?
If possible, please call your TPMG provider if you need urgent care services. Our offices reserve some appointments daily for those who require same-day medical attention and offer strategies and solutions to help patients avoid unnecessary emergency room visits and receive appropriate care. TPMG is also pleased to partner with Sentara Urgent Care to provide our patients with top-notch care for minor injuries and illnesses that don’t necessarily require a trip to the emergency room. Connecting our primary care and specialist providers with Sentara Urgent Care staff, TPMG patients can seamlessly transition care to trusted TPMG providers after a visit to Sentara Urgent Care.
What services does Sentara Urgent Care provide?
Visit Sentara Urgent Care for illness, injuries, and emergency x-ray services. Illnesses treated include cold and cough, flu, fever, asthma and bronchitis, headaches, migraines, sore throat, sinus infection, nausea and vomiting, hemorrhoids, rashes, dehydration, ear infection, and more. Injuries treated include abrasions, back pains, bites, fractures and dislocations, lacerations, contusions, minor concussions, sprains and strains, and other non-life-threatening injuries. Sentara Urgent Care facilities are also equipped with on-site X-rays that can diagnose broken bones, sprains, abdominal injuries, and dislocations. Chest X-rays are also available to those with a persistent cough who could be at risk for bronchitis or pneumonia.
What services can Urgent Care not provide?
Urgent care offices are not equipped to provide services for immediate, life-threatening injury or illness. Healthcare emergencies such as heart attack, stroke, uncontrolled bleeding, significant trauma, or loss or threat of loss of life, limb, eyesight, or consciousness require immediate medical attention and are not suited for urgent care. Individuals who are unsure whether their health emergency may warrant a trip to the emergency room can call 911 for advice on appropriate next steps.
Additionally, urgent care services should not be utilized for ongoing care. Rather, patients can instead reach out to a TPMG primary care provider (PCP) to establish routine check-ups, medication management, preventive care treatment, and chronic disease management.
What’s the difference between Urgent Care, the Emergency Room, and a Doctor’s Office?
The doctor’s office, urgent care, and emergency room all play important roles in the healthcare process, but deciding which is needed for a healthcare matter may not be cut and dry. To differentiate when you should go to which facility, you should consider the urgency and seriousness of your condition.
Problems that require immediate attention, such as open wounds, anaphylaxis, heart attack, and stroke, should be seen in the emergency room since they are both urgent and serious health issues. Conversely, something like a urinary tract infection, a case of the flu, a minor burn, or other non-life-threatening conditions still carry some urgency, but aren’t necessarily serious enough to require immediate attention, making Urgent Care a better fit for treatment. Finally, some health concerns don’t require urgent attention. Things like routine health check-ups, prescription concerns, annual tests, and chronic disease management are better suited for a visit to the doctor’s office. Doctor’s offices can also tackle specialized healthcare, such as rheumatology and sleep medicine services, whereas those in the ER or Urgent Care likely have more generalized health information.
Does Urgent Care cost less than the Emergency Room?
A trip to the emergency room will likely cost significantly more than a trip to the doctor’s office or urgent care. On average, a trip to the emergency room in the United States costs upwards of $2,000, according to data collected by ISO International Student Insurance. Even with high-quality insurance coverage, patients visiting the emergency room can expect a larger out-of-pocket cost for ER visits.
Will I have to wait long at Urgent Care?
Patients utilizing urgent care services often experience shorter wait times than in emergency room facilities. Medical personnel must prioritize life-threatening medical emergencies whenever they arrive at the emergency room, often causing those with less emergent injuries or illnesses to wait longer to be seen. Alternatively, urgent care facilities rarely see such emergent cases, making it likely you’ll be seen by a medical professional more quickly than emergency rooms.
Where can I find Urgent Care in Hampton Roads?
TPMG patients can find urgent care services across the Hampton Roads area. Click here to find a Sentara Urgent Care location near you.
Why should TPMG patients choose Sentara Urgent Care?
TPMG partners with Sentara Urgent Care to provide patients with shorter wait times, on site diagnostics, more affordable care, detailed explanations of any tests, treatments, or fees, and expedited referrals for individuals requiring specialist attention. Patients waiting in the emergency room may also face increased risk of exposure to common illnesses like COVID-19, flu, and other infections from other patients. Sentara Urgent Care will also work in tandem with your TPMG primary care provider (PCP) and specialists, sending all medical notes about your urgent care visit and providing them with the information needed to continue treatment and follow up after your visit through our secure Patient Portal.
While urgent care is the correct choice for some, it may not be the best fit for you. In instances of non-emergent injury or illness, be sure to contact your TPMG primary care provider (PCP) for next steps. Many TPMG offices offer same-day appointments to patients with urgent need to be seen. Additionally, urgent care is not suitable for patients who require chronic disease management. For routine medical attention, please contact your TPMG PCP to schedule an appointment.