Urgent Care vs Primary Care

What You Need to Know at Hy-Vee Health Exemplar Care

The terms “urgent care” and “primary care” are often confused, especially since some services overlap. However, understanding the key differences can help you decide when to visit urgent care or primary care.

What is Urgent Care?

Urgent care is for conditions that require immediate attention but don’t warrant an emergency room visit. Hy-Vee Health Exemplar Care offers walk-in urgent care for both non-members and members, ensuring timely treatment for non-life-threatening conditions, such as infections, minor injuries, and sprains. For non-members, we accept most insurance plans and offer transparent cash pricing, making it easy for you to access the care you need.

Urgent Care vs Primary Care at Hy-Vee Health Exemplar Care

Patients often skip primary care for a variety of reasons:

• They don’t have a primary care provider (PCP)
• They don’t want to deal with copays
• They have limited time for appointments
• They can’t wait for an appointment that might take days or weeks

For many, urgent care appears to be the quicker and more convenient option. However, it can be more costly, with the potential for surprise bills and long wait times. In contrast, Hy-Vee Health Exemplar Care offers a membership-based model with same-day or next-day appointments and no copays, ensuring that care is both affordable and accessible.  Additionally, our walk-in urgent care option provides members with priority access to urgent care when needed.

When to Visit Urgent Care vs Primary Care

Key Differences Between Urgent Care and Primary Care

What is Primary Care?

Primary care is the cornerstone of your health. It involves preventive services, chronic disease management, immunizations, and regular screenings. At Hy-Vee Health Exemplar Care, we focus on long-term relationships with your healthcare provider, allowing us to understand your medical history and provide personalized care

When to Visit Primary Care

Members should visit their primary care provider at Hy-Vee Health Exemplar Care for:

• Routine checkups include screenings, blood work, and physical exams.
• Chronic condition management: Diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, etc.
• Preventative care: Annual physicals and wellness checks, weight management, cholesterol management.
• Follow-ups: Medication adjustments, monitoring after an illness.
• Referrals to specialists: If needed, your PCP can direct you to the right specialist for further care.

When to Visit Urgent Care/Walk-In Care

For conditions that need immediate attention but aren’t emergencies, you can visit Hy-Vee Health Exemplar Care’s walk-in urgent care. Conditions include:

• Minor injuries: Sprains, cuts, burns, and fractures.
• Infections: Sinus infections, colds, sore throats, etc.
• Flu symptoms: Fever, chills, fatigue.
• Allergic reactions: Mild allergic reactions that require immediate treatment.

For non-members, we accept most insurance plans and offer transparent cash pricing, ensuring you know exactly what you’ll pay for care.

FAQs

Can Urgent Care Replace Primary Care?

Urgent care can be a temporary solution for immediate needs, but for ongoing health management and personalized care, primary care is essential. Your PCP at Hy-Vee Health Exemplar Care will provide long-term care and continuity of care for any health concerns.

Is Urgent Care More Expensive than Primary Care?

Through insurance,  urgent care typically costs more than primary care, especially since each visit requires a copay, and you may face additional charges for prescriptions and services. In contrast, with Hy-Vee Health Exemplar Care, there are no surprise bills, and most services are covered under your membership. Membership covers both primary and urgent care visits.

What Services Does Urgent Care Provide?

Urgent care centers provide extended hours and offer minor services, including stitches, X-rays, and immediate treatment for injuries or infections. Walk-in care offers diagnostic and lab services for minor illnesses such as strep, UTI, ear infections, etc.  However, for comprehensive care, such as blood tests, managing chronic conditions, and preventive care, your primary care provider at Hy-Vee Health Exemplar Care is your best resource.

Primary Care vs Urgent Care: What’s the Best Option for You?

Both urgent care and primary care are essential, but you should consider Hy-Vee Health Exemplar Care’s Direct Primary Care membership model for an all-inclusive healthcare experience. We offer access to both walk-in urgent care and primary care services under one roof, ensuring you get the care you need without the hassle of navigating multiple facilities.

For an alternative to traditional care, reach out to Hy-Vee Health Exemplar Care. We offer a membership-based model that covers both primary and walk-in urgent care, providing affordable and accessible healthcare for you and your family.