Know Where to Go for the Care You Need

Choosing the right place for care can help you save time and money while allowing you to get the most appropriate treatment. At Memorial Hermann, we provide a full range of care options: primary care, urgent care and emergency care, including virtual care for non-emergency situations. And, if you need more specialized care, we have access to a network of more than 6,000 affiliated specialty physicians.

Primary CareUrgent CareEmergency Care

Your Guide to Care Options

Your first stop for most non-emergency health needs and typically your most affordable option.

Your Primary Care Provider (PCP) is your long-term health partner. Building a relationship with them is the best way to manage your overall health.

In-Person or Virtual:

In-Person Only:
  • Allergies
  • Mental health concerns (anxiety, depression)
  • Chronic care management (blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, thyroid)
  • Cold, flu, sinus or ear pain
  • Cough, sore throat
  • Eye irritation, pink eye
  • Medication refills
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  • Skin infections, rashes
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • Cuts, scrapes, minor burns
  • Immunizations
  • Routine checkups, physicals, screenings
  • STI (sexually transmitted infection) testing and treatment
  • Sprains, back pain
  • Weight-loss management (initial visit; follow-ups may be virtual)
  • Other non-emergency health needs
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For health issues that need same-day attention but are not life-threatening, and a lower cost alternative to Emergency Center (ER) care.

Urgent Care is the perfect middle ground when you can't wait for a PCP appointment but don't need an ER. We have Memorial Hermann-GoHealth Urgent Care centers throughout the Greater Houston area that are open late, and virtual visits are available until midnight.

In-Person or Virtual:

In-Person Only:
  • Allergies
  • Animal or insect bites (minor)
  • Bronchitis, respiratory infections
  • Cold, flu, sinus infections
  • Cough, sore throat
  • Eye irritation, pink eye
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  • Skin infections, rashes, minor burns
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Start a Virtual Visit
  • Ear pain, infection
  • Mild abdominal pain
  • Minor cut (that may require stitches)
  • Pneumonia
  • Sprains, fractures (X-ray available)
  • STI testing and treatment
  • Work-related injuries
Find a Location

For severe or life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical attention.

The Emergency Center (ER) is for true medical emergencies. If you believe your condition is life-threatening, call 911 or go to the nearest ER.

In-Person Only:

 
  • Abdominal pain (severe)
  • Bleeding that won't stop
  • Chest pain
  • Deep cut or wound
  • Fainting or head injury
  • Major fracture
  • Seizure
  • Severe burn
  • Sudden difficulty breathing
  • Stroke
  • Other life-threatening emergencies
Locate Your Nearest ER

The above lists of conditions and symptoms are not intended to be exhaustive.

Your provider may recommend an in-person visit based on your virtual appointment symptoms.

Your Care Options at a Glance

Feature Primary Care Urgent Care Emergency Room

Best For

Routine & preventive care

Urgent, non-life-threatening issues

Life-threatening emergencies

Wait Time

Varies (by appointment)

Short to moderate

Based on assessment upon arrival. (Patients who are sicker will be treated before you.)

Cost

$ (Low)

$$ (Moderate)

$$$ (High)
View answers to some frequently asked questions when choosing the right site of care.
Watch FAQ Videos

Detailed Care Guide

For a complete list of common conditions we treat at each care location, download our detailed printable guide. It's a comprehensive resource to help you decide where to go. Keep a copy on your fridge or share it with family, so you're always prepared.

Download the Guide    Obtenga la atención que necesita

Still Not Sure Where to Start? We're Here to Help.

If you’re feeling unwell and don’t know where to go, call our free 24/7 Nurse Health Line from anywhere in Texas. A registered nurse is available anytime to help you understand your symptoms and guide you to the right place for care.

Call the 24/7 Nurse Health Line: (713) 338-7979 or (855) 577-7979.