Navigating Care During a Pandemic: Urgent Care vs. the Emergency Department

Tips on choosing the best care for when patients need it

KNOXVILLE, TENN. (August 20, 2021) – The University of Tennessee Medical Center recognizes it can be challenging for patients to determine which health care setting offers the right service for what they need, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the medical center offers the following tips on choosing the best care when patients need it.

“As we continue to face the COVID-19 pandemic and the onset of flu and cold season, it’s especially important to listen to your body and assess the severity of your symptoms to prevent overwhelming the medical center’s emergency department with mild illnesses or injuries that could be managed elsewhere,” said James Shamiyeh, MD, Senior Vice President and Chief Quality Officer, at The University of Tennessee Medical Center. “Patients could avoid a long wait time in an emergency department waiting room when the level of care needed could be given at their nearest urgent care location or through their primary care physician.”

UT Urgent Care provides the convenience of a walk-in clinic for illnesses and injuries that require medical attention but are not life-threatening. Both existing and new patients over the age of two will be cared for by either a physician or an experienced nurse practitioner or physician assistant.

UT Urgent Care clinics are available at four locations, open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.:

• Lenoir City
• Northshore
• Sevierville
• Seymour

This graphic can help patients decide between the emergency department and urgent care to receive the most appropriate care for their needs.

UT Urgent Care is currently evaluating symptomatic patients for COVID-19. Patients who have COVID-19 symptoms can schedule an appointment with UT Urgent Care by visiting UTMedicalCenter.org/urgentcare

We also strongly encourage patients established with a primary care physician to call their provider for mild COVID-19 symptoms, routine evaluations or prescription refills. If patients don’t have a primary care physician, UT Medical Center’s Healthcare Coordination team can help patients quickly find a high-quality health care provider.

“Whether you need a new primary care physician or specialist or need to make an appointment, our Healthcare Coordination team will make sure you get the service you need,” said Shamiyeh. “They can also help you make an appointment with current doctor, unless you need a same-day appointment. In that case, our doctors ask that you directly contact their office. That way, they can determine the urgency of your condition and help you get the right treatment.”

Healthcare Coordination can be reached from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, by calling 865-305-6970.

In addition, UT Urgent Care and many primary care providers offer telehealth appointments, so patients can get the care from providers they know and trust from the safety and convenience of their own homes. Patients can use their personal smartphone, tablet or computer to easily access urgent care telehealth appointments. These appointments are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and can be scheduled by calling 865-635-2810.

“Emergency department, urgent care, primary care or telehealth, most importantly, don’t wait or delay your care,” said Shamiyeh. “Of course, if you are experiencing a serious health emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.”