Primary Care Issues

When to Visit Primary Care, Urgent Care, or the Emergency Room

Valley View Health Centers wants to help you get the right care at the right place — and save you money while doing it.

Knowing where to go for your health needs can mean faster treatment, lower bills, and better outcomes.

Primary Care
The Best Place for Most Needs

Cost: Lowest — most affordable option for patients. Sliding Scale Fee applies.

Best For: Mild to moderate illnesses or routine care.

When you visit your Valley View Health Centers Primary Care provider, you’ll receive personal, ongoing care from a team who knows your health history.

Examples:

Earache
Cold and flu symptoms (cough, congestion, sore throat)
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Pink eye
Minor cuts or burns
Allergies or respiratory infections
Medication refills
Sprains or strains
Fever
Animal or insect bites
Vomiting and diarrhea
Eye discharge

Urgent Care
For Non-Life-Threatening, More Serious Issues

Cost: Higher than Primary Care.

Best For: Illnesses or injuries that can’t wait for a regular appointment, but are not life-threatening.

Examples:

Wheezing or shortness of breath
Sprains or strains
Minor burns without blisters
Small cuts that may need stitches
Fever without a rash
Flu symptoms, sore throat, or ear pain
Eye discharge
Vomiting and diarrhea
Painful urination
Animal or insect bites
Mild allergic reactions

Emergency Room
For Life-Threatening or Severe Conditions

Cost: Highest — ER visits can be hundreds or thousands of dollars more than Primary Care.

Best For: Medical emergencies requiring immediate advanced care.

Examples:

Chest pain or difficulty breathing
Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
Slurred speech
Vision problems (double vision or loss of vision)
Severe dizziness
Broken bones or dislocated joints
Head injuries, fainting, seizures, or confusion
Burns with blisters
Severe abdominal pain
Uncontrolled bleeding or large cuts requiring stitches
High fever (over 103°F) or fever with rash
Poisoning
Mental health crisis

Why Primary Care Saves You Money

Lower Visit Costs: Primary care visits at VVHC are significantly less expensive than Urgent Care or ER visits.

Continuity of Care: You see providers who know your medical history and can follow up on your treatment.

Preventive Care: Regular visits can catch problems early, preventing costly emergencies.

Sliding Fee Scale: Eligible patients may pay reduced rates based on income.

Tip: If it’s not a life-threatening emergency, call Valley View Health Centers first — we may be able to see you the same day and save you money.

Emergency: If you think you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest ER immediately.

These lists are for general information only and is not medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition. Always talk to a healthcare professional about your specific situation. If you think you may have a medical emergency , Call 911 or go to the nearest ER right away.