Choose the type of care you need

Understand the differences between primary care, virtual care, urgent care and the emergency room

A doctor shows a patient a scale model of a knee

You can find the right care at the right time with Geisinger as your partner in health. The best type of care all depends on what you need in the moment.

Primary care

Primary care focuses on long-term health goals and offers a range of services for your ongoing health and well-being.

When to visit your primary care provider

Routine care such as colds and flu, UTIs, minor infections and family medicine
Preventive care like vaccines and annual exams
Chronic illness treatment plans to manage symptoms and reduce complications

A nurse works with a patient in an examination room

Telehealth

With telehealth, an online doctor's visit, get care remotely and securely through your smartphone or computer.

When to use telehealth

Routine care needs including colds, UTIs, minor infections and family medicine
Specialty care like follow-up appointments and monitoring chronic conditions
Call 800-275-6401 for information on Geisinger's telehealth services and scheduling

Virtual urgent care

Get an online doctor’s appointment on weekdays and weekends for health problems like allergies, insect bites, coughs, colds and UTIs. Available with participating plans.

Urgent care

Urgent care centers and walk-in clinics offer flexible weekday, evening and weekend hours. Save time by checking in online or walking in for a same-day appointment.

When to visit urgent care or walk-in clinics

Immediate but non-emergency health issues like flu and colds, UTIs, minor breaks to a leg or arm and stitches for minor wounds
Use instead of the emergency room to reduce wait times and copays

A nurse takes a patient's blood pressure

Emergency room

Emergency room visits are for severe and life-threatening conditions.

When to visit the emergency room

The ER is for critical situations that require immediate attention such as:

Chest pain or sudden shortness of breath
High fever, severe pain or poisoning
Sudden worsening of a chronic condition

ER visits often have longer wait times, as critical patients are prioritized, and higher copays