Should I Go to My Doctor or the ER?

Call Your Physician First to Choose the Best Place for Care

Do you remember the last time you got sick, or a member of your family had an injury and you contemplated where you needed to go for care? Too often, people visit the emergency room when it's not the best choice. Your doctor is here to help.

Many common problems can easily be diagnosed and treated by a primary or family doctor at a fraction of the cost of the emergency room. In any case, when you call us, we can help direct you to the most appropriate care since we know you and have your medical records.   

When you're Ill After Hours or on Weekends, Remember these 3 Choices:

1. Always Start with your Doctor

Did you know that you can call our office-even after hours-for medical advice? We can help you decide if you need to go to the Emergency Room, go to urgent care, or get in to see one of our doctors right away.

2. If it's Not An Emergency and you Can't See your Doctor, you Could Go to One of our TriHealth Priority Care Urgent Care Centers

These physician-staffed centers are part of the TriHealth system, which means that your medical record is shared between TriHealth Priority Care and your doctor. Convenient locations in Anderson, Mason and Western Hills (Glenway Avenue) are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In most cases, the copay will be the same as your doctor's office copay.

3. Of Course, if it's a Real Emergency, you Should Always Call 9-1-1

Real emergencies include chest pains, uncontrolled bleeding or difficulty breathing. You can ask emergency responders to take you to a TriHealth emergency room at:

• Good Samaritan Hospital
• Bethesda North Hospital
• Bethesda Butler Hospital
• Good Samaritan Western Ridge
• Bethesda Arrow Springs

Who to See for Which Condition: