What is the difference between Primary Care and Urgent Care?

Perhaps the best way to begin describing the difference between Primary Care and Urgent Care would be to use the terms RELATIONSHIP and CONVENIENCE.

Primary Care places a high value on the relationship between a patient and their medical provider.  Primary Care physicians will ultimately be more familiar with the medical history of their patients because they have spent many years building a relationship together.  History of weight gain or loss, blood pressure problems, past illnesses, and medications being used will be at the primary care provider’s fingertips.  They will be familiar with a patient’s family history and often treat a person through many stages of life.  Primary care practices are the optimal place to deal with long-term issues such as chronic illness, nutrition/dietary advice, and stress management.

Urgent Care places a high value on making medical care convenient.  Often, Urgent Care facilities are open for extended time periods outside of normal working hours.  In addition, walk-in patients are perfectly acceptable and appointments are not required.  Urgent Care is the optimal choice when it is impossible to get into a primary care facility in a timely manner. In addition, Urgent care medical providers have immediate access to x-ray machines and laboratory equipment that are not always standard fare at primary care facilities.  When time is a factor, patients suddenly finding themselves in need of medical care can usually be treated faster in an Urgent Care facility than anywhere else.