Know Where To Go: The Right Care, in the Right Setting
Understanding where to turn for the right medical care is important. Maryland hospitals and health system are open 24/7/365 and care for everyone who comes through their doors—regardless of ability to pay.
However, often there are more appropriate care settings. Knowing where to go decreases the amount of time a patient waits for care for themselves, their family, their friends, and everyone in their community. This guide helps Marylanders Know Where to Go to get the care they need, when they need it.
Establishing a long-term relationship with a primary care provider gives you a chance to be healthier, get more personalized and comprehensive care. Go to a primary care provider for:
Preventive Care: Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings
Chronic Conditions: Management of ongoing health issues
Virtual care is accessible right from the comfort of your home, saves time, and reduces risk of exposure to other people. It’s perfect for non-urgent matters such as:
Common Ailments: Colds, allergies, mild infections, lingering symptoms, diarrhea, and others
Medication Refills: When a physical visit isn’t necessary
When you don’t have life threatening injuries or illness, urgent care is quicker, convenient, and efficient for issues like these:
Minor Injuries: Sprains, breaks, minor fractures, cuts requiring stitches
Illnesses: Fever, flu symptoms, and infections that need prompt attention
Emergency departments are equipped to handle critical situations and provide 24/7 care. The American College of Emergency Physicians and Johns Hopkins Medicine recommend seeking immediate emergency care for these concerns:
Life-Threatening or Conditions Requiring Immediate Attention
Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
Chest or upper belly pain or pressure lasting 2 minutes or more
Fainting, sudden dizziness, weakness
Changes in vision
Confusion or changes in mental status
Any sudden or severe pain
Uncontrolled bleeding
Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Coughing or vomiting blood
Suicidal or homicidal feelings
Difficulty speaking, or numbness or weakness in any part of your body
Unusual belly pain
Poisoning
Drug overdose
Loss of consciousness
Major burn
Spinal cord, head, or brain injury
Severe allergic reaction
A fast heartbeat (more than 120 to 150 beats per minute) at rest, especially if associated with shortness of breath or feeling faint
A broken bone with skin protruding through the skin
Drowning
Remember: Emergency departments triage all patients as they come in, and those with the most serious medical needs take priority.
Other Maryland Public Programs
MHA and other state agencies are working together to prevent and advocate for the safety of victims of human trafficking, sexual assaults, and other situations.
