Template only — not medical advice. Always review with a licensed healthcare professional before distributing.
Want to customize this handout for your clinic?
Sign in free to edit, add your clinic branding, and save your own version.
Managing Chronic Conditions at Urgent Care: Ongoing Care Guidance
Summary
Chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma require ongoing care from your primary care provider (PCP). While urgent care centers can help with sudden issues, they aren't a replacement for regular PCP visits. Proper coordination between your PCP and urgent care providers is essential for your health.
What Is This & Why It Matters
This handout provides guidance on managing chronic conditions when visiting urgent care centers. Chronic conditions are long-term illnesses that need continuous management. Your PCP is your main partner in keeping these conditions under control through regular check-ups, medications, and preventive measures. Urgent care is ideal for unexpected problems like infections or minor injuries. It's important to keep your PCP informed of any urgent care visits to ensure your medical records are up-to-date and coordinated.
What You Should Do
- Schedule regular appointments with your PCP to manage your chronic condition.
- Inform your PCP about any changes in symptoms after visiting urgent care.
- Carry a list of all current medications when visiting any healthcare provider.
- Follow up with your PCP after an urgent care visit to discuss any new treatments or tests.
- Maintain a personal health record to track symptoms, treatments, and appointments.
- Keep an open line of communication with all your healthcare providers.
What You Should NOT Do
- Don't rely solely on urgent care for managing chronic conditions.
- Avoid skipping regular check-ups with your PCP.
- Don't stop taking prescribed medications without consulting your PCP.
- Avoid multiple urgent care visits for the same issue without PCP input.
- Do not ignore new or worsening symptoms thinking they'll resolve on their own.
Symptoms: Normal vs Warning Signs
Normal (Don't Worry)
- Mild fatigue after starting a new medication.
- Temporary increase in stress when adjusting lifestyle changes.
- Slight discomfort during routine blood tests or check-ups.
- Minor side effects from medications that are well-tolerated.
Call Your Doctor If...
- Sudden, severe pain not relieved by over-the-counter medications.
- High fever (over 101°F) lasting more than 24 hours despite treatment.
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing not previously experienced.
- Unexplained weight loss of more than 5% body weight in a month.
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than two days.
FAQ
Why do I need to see my primary care provider regularly?
Your PCP manages long-term aspects of your health, ensuring chronic conditions are controlled and preventing complications.
Can urgent care clinics handle chronic condition flare-ups?
Yes, but they should only be used for immediate issues. Follow up with your PCP for ongoing management.
How do I ensure my PCP knows about my urgent care visit?
Inform the urgent care clinic to send records to your PCP or bring any paperwork received to your next appointment.
What if I need a specialist referral?
Your PCP will provide referrals based on your specific health needs and coordinate with specialists.
Can I get my regular prescriptions at an urgent care?
Urgent care may provide short-term prescriptions, but ongoing prescriptions should be managed by your PCP.
What should I do if my symptoms worsen suddenly?
Visit an urgent care or emergency room immediately if you experience severe symptoms, then follow up with your PCP.
How can I prevent emergency situations with my chronic condition?
Regular visits to your PCP for preventive care help in managing conditions effectively and avoiding emergencies.