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Where to Get Care

Choosing where to go when you are sick or injured will impact the kind of care you receive and the cost of services provided. You may choose to visit your primary care provider, an urgent care center, or an emergency department depending on what type of injury or symptoms you have and how serious they are. The table below can help you decide where to seek help.

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, dial 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.

Options for Care

Primary Care Urgent Care Emergency Room
Symptoms & Needs

For non-urgent symptoms and chronic conditions such as:

  • routine check ups
  • wellness visits or to establish care
  • referral for specialty care
  • care for chronic medical conditions
  • follow-up visits or to review results
  • medication management or refills
  • skin conditions such as acne or eczema
  • allergy symptoms and post-nasal drip
  • joint pain or back pain >2 weeks
  • rash without fever
  • gender affirming care
  • fatigue or sleep disturbance
  • mental health well-being
  • contraception options counseling or contraception management
  • reproductive health such as polycystic ovary syndrome or menstrual symptoms

For urgent symptoms that are not life threatening such as:

  • minor injuries such as sprains, strains, minor dislocations or broken bones
  • throat, eye, or ear symptoms such as pain, itching, redness, or discharge
  • low impact head trauma without loss of consciousness
  • minor to moderate cuts requiring stitches
  • suicidal or homicidal ideation
  • persistent vomiting or diarrhea for >3 days
  • moderate to severe cold/flu symptoms
  • mild to moderate headache or migraine
  • mild to moderate allergic reactions or insect stings
  • mild to moderate abdominal pain
  • mild wheezing or shortness of breath
  • joint pain or back pain for <2 weeks
  • rash with fever or skin infection
  • urinary symptoms such as frequency, urgency, and pain/burning with urination or symptoms of and/or exposure to a sexually transmitted infection
  • mild to moderate dehydration or heat exhaustion symptoms such as fatigue, increased thirst, decreased urination, and dizziness

For critical situations that threaten loss of your life or limbs such as:

  • high impact trauma or injury to your head or eyes with or without loss of consciousness
  • moderate to severe eye or skin burns or chemical exposure
  • moderate to severe injuries such as broken bones with open skin, multiple broken bones, or severely dislocated joints
  • suicidal or homicidal ideation
  • seizure or seizure-like activity
  • severe cold/flu symptoms
  • severe sore throat, unable to swallow saliva
  • moderate to severe cuts requiring stitches
  • moderate to severe wheezing or shortness of breath
  • moderate to severe abdominal pain
  • moderate to severe allergic reaction
  • severe headache or migraine
  • moderate to severe chest pain
  • weakness or numbness in one side of the body or slurred speech
  • moderate to severe dehydration or heat exhaustion symptoms such as extreme fatigue, increased thirst, decreased urination, dizziness, fainting/lightheaded, and rapid weak pulse
Services

Prescriptions, x-rays, lab, ongoing care.

Prescriptions, x-rays, lab. Prescriptions, advanced imaging, x-rays, lab, advanced life-saving measures.
Cost Most visits are no-cost at SHS with UC SHIP or RAFT. Most visits are no-cost at SHS with UC SHIP or $20 co-pay with RAFT; $25 co-pay at UCSD Health Urgent Care near campus. $150 copay with UC SHIP; cost with outside insurance will vary.
Hours SHS is open weekdays during daytime hours with some evening and weekend telehealth appointments available. SHS is open weekdays during daytime hours with extended in-person hours on Mondays; evening and weekend hours are available at UCSD Health Urgent Care near campus. Open 24/7.

Need advice when you are sick or injured? Call (858) 534-3300 to consult with a Registered Nurse, available 24/7 to ALL students at no cost.

See options for After Hours and Emergency Care.

Resources

Where Should I Go For Care? (PDF)