Do healthy adults need an annual checkup?
Yes. In fact, when nothing seems wrong is exactly when an annual well visit can be most useful.
Many conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes, can develop without noticeable symptoms. An annual well visit, what many people think of as their annual checkup, gives your primary care physician (PCP) a chance to run age-appropriate screenings, spot changes early and monitor your health over time. The goal isn’t just to treat you when you’re sick; it’s to help you stay healthy through ongoing preventive care.
Regular visits also help your PCP get to know you and your health history, which can be valuable when a new health need arises.
But what happens when a health need comes up before your next annual well visit? Knowing when to see your PCP, visit a COPC SameDay Center or urgent care, or go to the ER can help you choose the right level of care.
Understanding Your Healthcare Options
Your Primary Care Doctor
Your PCP is your healthcare home base and should be your first stop for most routine and non-urgent health needs. In addition to preventive care, your PCP can evaluate new or recurring symptoms, manage ongoing health conditions and medications, and help coordinate additional testing, follow-up care or referrals to specialists when needed.
When to Schedule an Appointment with Your PCP
- Annual well visits
- Bloodwork and age-appropriate health screenings
- New or recurring health concerns
- Ongoing management of chronic conditions
- Prescription management or medication concerns
- Mental health check-ins and referrals to specialists
- Follow-up care after a hospitalization or major procedure
SameDay Centers
SameDay Centers are for situations when you need care now, but your PCP is out of the office or has no same-day appointments open.
At Central Ohio Primary Care’s SameDay Centers, you can be seen the same day without going through an ER wait. Our centers are staffed by advanced practice providers and physicians who can access your existing medical chart, update your records in real time, and loop in your PCP so that nothing falls through the cracks.
Locations are generally open weekdays and weekends, with hours ranging from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM depending on location. For patients age 17 or younger, our pediatric support center offers care tailored to children and teens.
When to Visit a SameDay Center
- Fever, cold, or flu symptoms
- Respiratory issues like bronchitis, pneumonia, or COPD exacerbation
- Allergies or rashes
- Asthma flare-ups
- Nausea, vomiting, or dehydration
- UTIs or minor infections
- Minor cuts or burns
- A health concern you want addressed today, even if it’s not an emergency
Urgent Care
Urgent care may be the better option for certain injuries or conditions that fall outside the scope of what a SameDay Center can treat. For example, suspected bone fractures are a common reason patients may need to visit an urgent care center.
Costs vary by facility, but in general, urgent care visits tend to have higher co-pays than visits to SameDay Centers. As an established COPC patient, your co-pay at a SameDay Center will typically be lower than what you’d pay at urgent care. It’s also important to know that your records won’t automatically feed into your PCP’s system the way they would through a SameDay Center visit.
When in doubt about whether your situation calls for urgent care or a SameDay Center, don’t hesitate to call your COPC practice first. Our compassionate medical team can help you figure out the right next step.
When to Choose Urgent Care
- Suspected fractures or broken bones
- Injuries or conditions that a COPC SameDay Cennter cannot treat
Emergency Room (ER)
The ER is for true emergencies, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, signs of a heart attack, or life-threatening injuries. If there’s any doubt about whether an injury or symptom is life-threatening, your safest option is to go to the ER.
When to Call 911 or Visit the ER
- Chest pain or signs of a heart attack
- Difficulty breathing
- Signs of stroke
- Severe injuries or trauma
Ready to Get the Medical Care You Need?
Whether you’re overdue for your annual well visit, looking to establish care with a primary care doctor, or just have questions about what steps to take, the experienced physicians at Central Ohio Primary Care are here to help.
If you’re new to Central Ohio Primary Care, call (614) 326-4646 to speak with a New Patient scheduler, available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can also find a doctor or location near you online.
