Know where to go

Whether it’s a minor illness or a major injury, the last thing you want to do is wonder if you should wait to see your primary care physician (PCP), head to an urgent care or go to the emergency room. We hope to make this decision a little easier for you.

patient checking in

Should I wait to see my Primary Care doctor?

Your primary care provider is your main healthcare contact in non-emergency situations. Don't have a provider? Inova offers primary care services at convenient locations throughout Northern Virginia. 

Primary care services

provider and young girl

Do you need same day urgent care? 

Expert same-day, in-person, virtual and in-home medical care for minor illnesses and injury as well as lab tests and more. 

Walk-in and virtual urgent care

In-Home medical care

Man suffering from chest pain

Do you need to go to the emergency room?

If you have a serious or life-threatening medical concern, call 911 or head to nearest emergency room. 

ER locations and wait times

Conditions that warrant an ER visit

There may be some reasons for waiting to visit a doctor right now, but some symptoms can't wait. Life-threatening conditions that cause severe symptoms or put your health at serious risk require a visit to an emergency room. These include:

  • Suspected heart attack or stroke
  • Extreme difficulty breathing
  • Severe bleeding or serious cuts
  • Broken bones
  • Poisoning
  • Acute abdominal pain
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Minor burns and lacerations
  • Minor trauma, including sprains and broken bones
  • On-the-job accidents

Inova Health Talk: Why it's important to call 9-1-1 right away if you spot the signs of stroke in yourself or someone else

Emergency Room Locations