When deciding whether to go to the doctor’s office, urgent care, or the emergency room, one should evaluate the severity of his or her problem. The doctor’s office corresponds to the least severe of cases, urgent care is for minor conditions that require fast treatment and the emergency room is only for critical conditions that require immediate care.

Choosing the right setting for your condition is important, as it saves you time in a waiting room and ensures that emergency resources are available for those who truly need them.

Continue reading the FAQ for more detail on the specific cases when you should attend one or the other.

Your doctor’s office is a preferable option to an urgent care or walk-in clinic if you can schedule a primary care appointment. This is because your primary care provider should have a more thorough picture of your general health as they are familiar with your medical history, prescriptions, and background. They are meant to be your navigator through the healthcare system and your partner in health.

These are some of the main conditions to go to your doctor’s office:

• Cold, flu, and sore throat
• Ear, sinus, or urinary tract infections
• Headaches and muscle pains
• Stomach pains, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation
• Minor scrapes or bruises

For injuries or illnesses that are not immediately life-threatening, seek urgent care. The urgent care center is in between the emergency room and your regular care physician. Urgent Care is the method to go if you have a small illness or injury that can’t wait until tomorrow.

These are some of the main conditions to go to urgent care:

• Sprains
• Minor animal bites or stings
• Minor cuts or burns
• Dehydration
• Pink eye
• Rashes or other skin issues
• Primary care concerns (if unable to see primary care provider)

Serious problems that might be regarded as medical emergencies are handled in the emergency room. Health disorders that endanger life or limb are treated for patients of all ages. When you seek quick medical care, the emergency room it is your best choice.

These are some of the main conditions to go to the emergency room:

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Serious burns, cuts, or lacerations
• Broken bones or dislocated joints
• Fainting, changes in mental state, or slurred speech
• Head or eye injuries
• Weakness and/or numbness on one side

You will always have a more complete assessment and care at the office, however, many issues do not require an office visit, but can be dealt with by telephone. Our nurses here at Danvers Family Doctors are highly skilled, knowledgeable professionals and have been thoroughly instructed in our protocols for patient care.
They can answer many of your telephone questions. They will often suggest remedies to care for your child at home. It is helpful to keep a pad and pencil near the phone and have the phone number of your pharmacy available. All telephone advice is reviewed by the physician.

Please call the office with your symptoms and we will assess the situation and give you a same-day appointment if necessary. We are still screening for Covid for our patients. A variety of options are available including Telehealth visits to accommodate your schedule.

If you have a child, please call our office during regular business hours
for a same-day appointment if your child has:

• An earache or draining ear
• Pain or burning urination
• Blood in the urine
• Fever in less than 3 months of age
• Fever and wheezing
• Fever over 4 days and not previously seen

Here at Danvers Family Doctor, whenever the office is closed, a physician is always available. Calls during these times should be limited to urgent problems. To reach us, call 978-762-6262. The answering service will relay the message. You will receive a call from the provider on call.
For life-threatening emergencies, you should call 911 or seek help at the closest emergency room.