Where to Go When You Need Care Now

Whether you’re managing an ongoing health condition or facing an unexpected illness or injury, knowing where to seek care can help you get the treatment you need sooner. Skagit Regional Health offers a full range of care options to support your health and well-being at every stage of life.

Urgent care, emergency care or primary care?

A simple guideline:

• Start with Urgent Care for most same-day, non-life-threatening concerns.
• If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms or a severe illness or injury, go directly to the Emergency Room (ER) or call or text 9-1-1.
• Your Primary Care Provider (PCP) remains your trusted partner for preventive care, chronic disease management and follow-up after urgent or emergency visits.

“The right location will have the right expertise and medical equipment to match the level of need based on your illness,” says Aaron Arnold, DO, Urgent Care provider at Skagit Regional Health.

Urgent Care: A convenient choice for same-day needs

Urgent care clinics provide prompt treatment for illnesses and injuries that need attention but are not medical emergencies. Experienced clinicians treat a wide range of conditions, including cold and flu symptoms, minor injuries, infections and other common health concerns.

For older adults, urgent care can be especially helpful when an unexpected issue arises and a primary care appointment is not immediately available. If a condition requires more advanced treatment, urgent care teams can help direct patients to the emergency room.

When to go to the Emergency Room

Call or text 9-1-1 or seek emergency care immediately if you experience:

• Chest pain
• Life-or limb-threatening injuries
• New or worsening severe pain
• Serious mental health concerns
• Shortness of breath
• Signs of stroke, such as sudden weakness, confusion or trouble speaking
• Uncontrolled or internal bleeding

Skagit Regional Health Emergency Departments are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Value of Primary Care

Primary care supports your long-term health Primary care providers (PCPs) play an important role in helping patients stay healthy through wellness visits, preventive screenings, medication management and chronic disease care. Following up with your PCP after an urgent care visit also helps ensure continuity of care and better long-term health outcomes.

Find the Right Care at Skagit Regional Health

Together, urgent care, emergency care and primary care provide a seamless network of care—helping you get the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

Visit SkagitRegionalHealth.org/Locations to find care when you need care.