When to Call, When to Go: A Health Guide for You and Your Family

Taking care of your health can feel confusing. Where do you go? Who do you call? What do you do first?

You're not alone. Most people don't know the answers, and that's okay. That's what this guide is for.

ER or Wait for Your Doctor?

The emergency room is for life-threatening situations only. If you go for something minor, you could wait for hours and pay a lot more than you need to.

Go to the ER if someone has:

• Chest pain or trouble breathing
• Signs of a stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, trouble speaking)
• Severe bleeding that won't stop
• A broken bone poking through the skin
• Severe abdominal pain
• Loss of consciousness

Go to Urgent Care or call your doctor if you have:

• A fever (in an otherwise healthy adult)
• A bad cold, sore throat, or ear pain
• A cut that might need stitches (but isn't gushing blood)
• A sprain or minor injury
• A UTI or minor infection

For pediatric guidance: Please visit our page here to understand when to take your infant or child into the ER vs. their pediatrician.

Why You Need to Finish All Your Medicine

Your doctor gave you 10 days of antibiotics. You feel better on day 5. Can you stop?

No, and here's why it matters.

When you stop early, some germs are still alive in your body. Those leftover germs can get stronger and harder to kill. That's called antibiotic resistance, and it means the medicine might not work next time you really need it.

Always finish your prescription, even if you feel fine. If the medicine is bothering you, call your doctor. 

Your Regular Doctor vs. a Specialist: What's the Difference?

Think of it like a sports team.

• Your Primary Care Doctor (PCP) is the coach. They know your whole health story. They're your first call for most things: checkups, sick visits, managing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
• A Specialist (like a cardiologist or orthopedic doctor) is like a star player. They're experts in one area. You usually need a referral from your coach to see them.

See your PCP first for:

• Ongoing health issues (diabetes, blood pressure, anxiety)
• Checkups and preventive care
• New symptoms you're not sure about

See a specialist when:

• Your PCP refers you for a specific condition
• You need surgery or a procedure
• A condition isn't improving with regular treatment

One More Tool in Your Corner: Summus

Sometimes you're not sure what to do next, and that's normal. With Summus, you can speak with a dedicated doctor who will review your situation, explain your options in plain language, and help connect you to the right specialist if needed.

Not sure where to go or what to do next? Reach out to Summus first. They'll help you find the right path, every time.

Summus is not an emergency medical service. If you or someone else is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Do not call Summus first.


*Medically reviewed by Dr. Nancy Creech, SVP of Clinical Operations at Summus