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Knowing where to go: your guide to getting the right care
When you choose the right site for care, you're more likely to feel better faster and avoid unnecessary expenses
When you or your loved ones need medical attention, choosing where to go for care can make all the difference.
“Understanding your options helps you get the right treatment quickly, efficiently, and safely, while also keeping healthcare costs manageable,” said Robin Anderson, M.D., vice president and chief medical officer for primary care.
Here’s a short guide to help you understand where to go for care.
If you’re unsure where to go for care, you can call our Nurse Advice Line for free, personalized help at any time, day or night.
“Our Nurse Advice Line will help you determine where you need to go,” said Dr. Anderson. “Registered nurses are available 24/7 to offer expert advice.”
Your primary care provider is your go-to for check-ups, preventive care, and non-emergency health issues during regular business hours.
Primary care providers are also your best option for routine management of conditions like asthma, hypertension, and diabetes.
“You can call your primary care provider and see if they have an appointment available for you to be seen at their office within a reasonable amount of time,” said Dr. Anderson.
“They can also guide you to the most appropriate care setting.”
For minor health concerns like cuts needing stitches, minor burns, back or joint pain, and minor bone fractures, a walk-in clinic or urgent care clinic is usually the best place to start.
Walk-in clinics are generally open during regular business hours, with some additional hours at certain locations.
Urgent care clinics are generally open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, with some locations keeping 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. hours. On weekends, urgent care clinics are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Walk-in clinics do not provide X-rays, according to Dr. Anderson. Otherwise, they offer most of the same services as urgent care clinics.
Of the two, walk-in clinics often have shorter wait times, said Dr. Anderson. They also typically have lower co-pays.
You can reserve a spot online for either kind of clinic by navigating to the desired walk-in or urgent care location and selecting Reserve My Spot.
Emergency departments—also called emergency rooms—treat serious, life-threatening, or potentially disabling conditions that require immediate medical attention, such as chest pain, severe bleeding, or difficulty breathing.
They are equipped and staffed to handle complex, critical health issues 24 hours a day, seven days a week with advanced resources such as trauma care, surgical teams, and diagnostic tools.
You can check wait times at your nearest emergency department and let them know you’re on your way.
Making informed choices also supports your local healthcare system, ensuring hospital resources are ready when true emergencies arise.
Planning ahead will help you respond when you have a medical issue.
Keep important numbers—like your primary care office and nearest urgent care—handy. Know your insurance coverage. Teach your family about where to go during different health situations.
By making smart choices about where to go for care, you help protect your health, your wallet, and your community.
“Understanding your options helps you get the right treatment quickly, efficiently, and safely, while also keeping healthcare costs manageable,” said Robin Anderson, M.D., vice president and chief medical officer for primary care.
Here’s a short guide to help you understand where to go for care.
Call the Nurse Advice Line for quick, free guidance
If you’re unsure where to go for care, you can call our Nurse Advice Line for free, personalized help at any time, day or night.
“Our Nurse Advice Line will help you determine where you need to go,” said Dr. Anderson. “Registered nurses are available 24/7 to offer expert advice.”
Virtual providers can promptly treat minor conditions
Minor conditions like allergies, rashes, pink eye, cough, colds, and sinus infections can be managed from the comfort of home through virtual care, also called telehealth.
Virtual care is also a great resource while traveling.
Adult patients with a Sentara MyChart account can get in line to see a virtual provider 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“We have on-demand care through our virtual platforms,” said Dr. Anderson. "Most people can be seen in 15 minutes. It can be quite fast and really convenient."
Prescription refills and follow-ups can also be addressed virtually, as can physical therapy and sports injury consultations.
Primary care providers are a go-to resource
Your primary care provider is your go-to for check-ups, preventive care, and non-emergency health issues during regular business hours.
Primary care providers are also your best option for routine management of conditions like asthma, hypertension, and diabetes.
“You can call your primary care provider and see if they have an appointment available for you to be seen at their office within a reasonable amount of time,” said Dr. Anderson.
“They can also guide you to the most appropriate care setting.”
Walk-in clinics and urgent care treat minor illnesses and injuries
For minor health concerns like cuts needing stitches, minor burns, back or joint pain, and minor bone fractures, a walk-in clinic or urgent care clinic is usually the best place to start.
Walk-in clinics are generally open during regular business hours, with some additional hours at certain locations.
Urgent care clinics are generally open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, with some locations keeping 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. hours. On weekends, urgent care clinics are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Walk-in clinics do not provide X-rays, according to Dr. Anderson. Otherwise, they offer most of the same services as urgent care clinics.
Of the two, walk-in clinics often have shorter wait times, said Dr. Anderson. They also typically have lower co-pays.
You can reserve a spot online for either kind of clinic by navigating to the desired walk-in or urgent care location and selecting Reserve My Spot.
Emergency departments treat serious or life-threatening conditions
Emergency departments—also called emergency rooms—treat serious, life-threatening, or potentially disabling conditions that require immediate medical attention, such as chest pain, severe bleeding, or difficulty breathing.
They are equipped and staffed to handle complex, critical health issues 24 hours a day, seven days a week with advanced resources such as trauma care, surgical teams, and diagnostic tools.
You can check wait times at your nearest emergency department and let them know you’re on your way.
Seeing the right provider ensures you receive the best level of care
"Choosing the correct site of care isn't just about convenience—it's about safety, cost, and quality,” said Dr. Anderson. “When you go to the right place for your needs, you're more likely to feel better faster and avoid unnecessary expenses or hospital stays."Making informed choices also supports your local healthcare system, ensuring hospital resources are ready when true emergencies arise.
Protect your health, your wallet, and your community
Planning ahead will help you respond when you have a medical issue.
Keep important numbers—like your primary care office and nearest urgent care—handy. Know your insurance coverage. Teach your family about where to go during different health situations.
By making smart choices about where to go for care, you help protect your health, your wallet, and your community.