Urgent Care vs. Primary Care: Which Option is Right For You?

Written By Chelsea Morrell
Nurse meeting with a patient

Imagine you’re feeling under the weather. It’s a busy Monday morning, and you have a packed to-do list to start your week. The last thing you want to do at that moment is figure out where to go to get the care you need. Do you visit your Primary Care doctor? Or should you just head to an Urgent Care clinic?

Navigating the world of healthcare can often feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure which option suits your unique situation. However, there are some key differences between Urgent Care and Primary Care to help you make an informed decision. For the easiest, affordable care, you can consider Holy City Med, which offers a game-changing solution that combines the benefits of both in one location. 

Primary Care vs. Urgent Care Basics

Healthcare is never one size fits all. That’s where understanding the differences between Urgent Care and Primary Care can make all the difference.

What is Primary Care?

Primary Care is your go-to for everyday healthcare needs. It offers long-term, continuous care tailored to you and your family. Think of your Primary Care provider as your health partner,  someone who keeps track of your medical history, offers preventive care, and manages chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension.

Services typically include:

  • Routine check-ups

  • Managing long-term health conditions

  • Preventive screenings

Holy City Med offers these preventive and personalized services to enhance your experience with our Primary Care doctors in Charleston, SC. 

What is Urgent Care?

Urgent Care clinics are designed to address immediate but non-life-threatening medical issues that cannot wait for a Primary Care appointment. Whether it’s a minor injury or a sudden illness, Urgent Care offers a quick solution. 

Popular Urgent Care services include:

  • Treatment for colds, flu or minor infections

  • Diagnostics for minor injuries

  • Stitches for small wounds

  • Acute pain management

Holy City Med provides Urgent Care in Charleston, SC, with same-day walk-in visits, making healthcare accessible anytime you need it. No appointment required for a $100 visit; members visit for free.

Key Differences Between Urgent and Primary Care

To decide between Urgent Care vs. Primary Care, focus on these distinctions:

Aspect Primary Care Urgent Care
Purpose Long-term healthcare and prevention Immediate treatment for sudden issues
Appointment Often required Walk-in available
Hours Limited to standard office hours Often open evenings and weekends
Costs Typically lower with memberships or insurance Slightly higher due to immediate service

Understanding these basic differences can save you time and stress during a medical situation. 

Enjoy the Benefits of Primary and Urgent Care

When you use Holy City Med as your Urgent or Primary Care, you don’t have to choose. Same-day Primary Care visits are also available without having to book an appointment weeks in advance.

Whether you’re scheduling an annual physical with a Primary Care physician or need immediate care for a cold, Holy City Med offers transparent pricing with $100 office visits. For those with a medical membership, Primary and Urgent Care visits are free.

Benefits of a medical membership include:

  • Affordable, consistent pricing for non-members.

  • Transparent pricing for members with monthly fees and no-copays.

  • Easy access with virtual visits and no appointments needed for Urgent or Primary Care. Expect a 7-minute or less wait time. 

  • Flexible care options with drive-thru testing, virtual appointments, and pharmacy membership available.

  • Exclusive member perks including all bundled services for free, unlimited medical visits, and much more!

Members and non-members have access to these two testing and medication bundles. Non-members pay $50 while members receive these bundles for free!

Testing and Medication Bundle - $50

In-House Testing

  • Strep

  • Flu

  • Covid

  • UA

  • Pregnancy

  • Mono

  • H. Pylori

  • Hemoccult

Injectable Medications

  • Rocephin

  • Decadron

  • Solumedrol

  • Toradol

  • Phenergan

  • Zofran

  • Benadryl

Imaging and Labs Bundle - $50

  • X-Ray

  • EKG

  • In-House Bloodwork

  • CBC

  • Glucose

  • HgbA1c

  • Lipid Panel

Example Scenarios: Urgent Care vs. Primary Care 

Still not sure which service you’d need in certain situations? Here are some examples to guide you:

  • Flu Symptoms: Primary Care is your first choice for managing symptoms over a period of time. However, Urgent Care is better if you need immediate medication.

  • Minor Sprains: An Urgent Care clinic can X-ray your injury and provide pain relief quicker than waiting for a Primary Care appointment.

  • Annual Physical: This is a perfect example of a routine service best managed by your Primary Care provider.

Holy City Med also offers services like video medical visits, offering incredible flexibility to fit into your busy daily schedule.

The Decision Is Clear

Understanding the differences between Urgent Care vs. Primary Care helps you make better choices for your health. But if you’d rather keep your options open, Holy City Med allows you to enjoy both within a convenient affordable structure. Our medical membership can help revolutionize how you experience care. You can ditch long waits and surprise costs in favor of  streamlined compassionate service.

Urgent Care Services & Treatments

  • ​Abrasions and abscesses​

  • Allergies

  • Allergic reactions (no breathing problems)

  • Asthma attack (mild wheezing)

  • Bites

  • ​Blood pressure episodic care

  • Broken bones, fractures, sprains and strains (bone not coming out of skin)

  • Bronchitis

  • Burn (minor)

  • Doctor/PA evaluation, diagnosis and treatment

  • Strep and Flu swabs, UA

  • Cold

  • Congestion Cough

  • Cuts, punctures, scrapes, minor burns and wounds (minor, but may need stitches)​

  • Diarrhea​

  • ​Diabetes episodic care

  • Earache

  • Ear infection

  • Earwax removal

  • Eye infections

  • Fever (child is 6 months+)

  • Up to 2 injections (non-vaccine)

  • Written prescriptions​

  • Cast/Splint ($20/$10)

  • X-Rays, as needed

  • Flu

  • ​Food poisoning and gastroenteritis

  • Head injury (no loss of consciousness)

  • Laryngitis

  • Migraine headache

  • Pink eye

  • Pneumonia (no breathing problems)

  • Rash​

  • ​Saline IV hydration

  • Sinus infection

  • Laceration repair ($100)

  • Crutches ($35)

  • IV hydration ($40/liter)

  • Sore throat

  • Sprain

  • Stings

  • Stitches

  • Stomach ache

  • Strain

  • ​Strep throat

  • ​Swallowed object (no problem swallowing)

  • Swimmer’s ear

  • Urinary tract infection

  • Vomiting

  • Work-related injuries

  • Send-out blood work/labs (discounted)

  • Flu Shot & Flu Testing

Chelsea Morrell
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How to Pick a Primary Care Doctor