Primary Care, Urgent Care, or Emergency Department?

With emergency departments locally and around the country overwhelmed by the rising number of people seeking care, Thompson Health is offering tips on how to know where to go in order to get appropriate care and avoid long wait times.

“Previously, the emergency department could handle the occasional surge in the number of patients. We have entered a new era, however, where the ED regularly runs beyond its peak capacity. In turn, patients may wait much longer to be evaluated and treated,” said Senior Vice President of Medical Services/Chief Medical Officer Dr. David E. Baum, who has treated patients in Thompson’s 24-bed ED for many years and is also the health system’s medical director of Urgent Care.

In 2024, Thompson had nearly 34,000 visitors to its ED, up 5% from 2022.

Thompson has three urgent care centers, located in Canandaigua, Farmington, and Newark. Combined, they saw 50,874 patients in 2024, up 14% from 2022.

So how does someone determine the most appropriate setting for care?

Dr. Baum said people who have warning symptoms of major illness including chest pain, shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain, or weakness related to an acute stroke should always go directly to the ED. “For patients with a mild to moderate illness but who are otherwise stable, a visit to the primary care physician or an urgent care center are excellent options to begin care,” he said.

Thompson has 12 primary care practices, with Dr. Michael M. Foote of Honeoye Family Practice serving as medical director.

“When in doubt, an individual’s best approach is to reach out to their primary care office and ask them about recommendations for evaluation of a medical issue,” he said. 

“Clearly, one’s medical home is typically going to be best equipped to manage non-emergent medical needs in light of the relationship that has been created over time. This care is also potentially going to be much less expensive for the patient.”

On short notice, Dr. Foote added, primary care practices may not be able to accommodate urgent needs as quickly as desired and then alternative options may need to be considered.

For locations and hours for Thompson’s three urgent care centers, as well as a helpful guide on choosing the best option for care, visit ThompsonHealth.com/UrgentCare. If you need a primary care provider, visit ThompsonHealth.com/FindAProvider for a list of those currently accepting new patients.