Care finder
Where Should I Get Care?
Emergency room, urgent care, telehealth, our clinic or a home visit? Answer four questions and get pointed to the right place in seconds.
How to use it
How to use the care finder
Step 1
Answer the emergency question first. If any warning sign applies, the finder tells you to call 911.
Step 2
Say whether it needs to be seen within hours.
Step 3
Choose what sounds closest and whether leaving home is hard.
How it works
How the care finder decides
The questions go from most to least urgent, so an emergency is never missed.
Emergency warning signs
Chest pain, trouble breathing, stroke signs, severe bleeding, fainting, a severe allergic reaction or thoughts of self-harm: call 911 or go to the emergency department.
Needs care within hours
Sudden severe pain, a possible broken bone, a cut that may need stitches or a fast-spreading red area: urgent care or an emergency department today.
What kind of problem
Talking problems suit telehealth. Things that need examining or treating by hand need an in-person visit. Ongoing conditions and wellness start with a consultation.
Getting out
If leaving home is hard and the problem needs hands-on care, the finder suggests a home visit in Northern Virginia.
Understanding your result
Which setting is right for what
A quick guide to the five places you can get care, and what each one is for.
| Setting | Use it for | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 911 or emergency department | Life-threatening problems | Chest pain, stroke signs, severe bleeding, trouble breathing |
| Urgent care | Needs hands-on care within hours | A sprain or possible fracture, a cut that needs stitches |
| Telehealth | Problems you can talk through or show on camera | Colds, rashes, refills, lab results, check-ins |
| Clinic visit | Things that need an exam or treatment | A wound, a lump, joint pain, a procedure |
| Home visit | Hands-on care when getting out is hard | Wound care, assessments, follow-up after illness |
Next steps
Warning signs that need emergency care
Do not wait for an appointment or a message reply if any of these happen.
Get simple health tips by email
Practical, seasonal health tips and reminders from our nurse practitioner, about once or twice a month.
Keep exploring
Related pages and reading
Sources
- When to use the emergency room (adult) MedlinePlus
- Signs and symptoms of stroke CDC
- About heart attack symptoms CDC
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988lifeline.org
Common questions
About this tool
General information, not a diagnosis. For an emergency, call 911.
No. It is general guidance to help you choose a setting. If anything feels serious, call 911.
Call or text us during opening hours and we will help you decide. If you cannot reach anyone and are worried, choose the faster option.
Often, yes. Many common infections can be assessed by video, and prescriptions are sent electronically when appropriate.
When something needs to be examined, tested or treated by hand within hours, such as a possible fracture or a deep cut.
Home visits cover much of Northern Virginia. Text us your address and we will confirm.
Ready when you are