March 10, 2024 Healthy Living

When you’re sick: Make primary care your primary contact

Be sure to call your primary care provider’s (PCP) office, first, when experiencing non-life-threatening illness or injury, like:

  • Back pain
  • Cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms
  • Ear infections
  • General symptoms of feeling unwell
  • GI issues and abdominal pain
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Minor scrapes and wounds
  • Rashes or skin issues
  • Sprains and strains
  • Urinary tract infections

Calling your PCP, first, could help you avoid unnecessary, lengthy wait times and potentially high-cost visits to an urgent care center or emergency department. Plus, your provider office has access to your entire medical record which can provide more efficient and comprehensive care.

During regular business hours, PCP offices typically have time reserved for same-day sick visits so they can evaluate you in-office or virtually.

After hours, PCP offices always have a provider on call to resolve problems by phone or direct you to the proper level of care when necessary.

Remember, when you’re feeling sick, make primary care your primary contact.

Don’t have a PCP?

Community Care Physicians has little to no wait for new patient appointments. Search their featured practices accepting new patients in Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, and Saratoga counties.

Or visit FindADoc.CDPHP.com to search from more one million providers nationwide in the CDPHP network. Search online for providers in primary care, specialty care, and behavioral health.

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