Primary Care or the Emergency Department – Where should I go?

Not every illness or injury means a trip to the emergency room. In fact, many common health concerns can be taken care of at your primary care provider’s office or a walk-in care center. The emergency department is best reserved for serious or life-threatening emergencies.

First, Try Your Primary Care Provider or a Walk-In Care Center

If you’re not feeling well, start with your primary care provider or a walk-in care center. At Valley, many primary care offices offer same-day appointments and even virtual visits. Valley also has seven walk-in care centers. Some of the conditions commonly treated in these settings include:

• Cold or flu symptoms
• Fever or stomach bugs
• Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Urinary tract infections
• Sore throat, earaches, or runny nose
• Sprains, strains, back pain, or minor injuries
• Cuts, scrapes, burns, or tick bites
• Small fractures (like a finger or toe)
• Anxiety symptoms or panic attacks

For more information about primary care or to find a primary care provider at Valley, please visit ValleyHealth.com/PrimaryCare. To learn more about Valley’s walk-in care centers, please visit ValleyHealth.com/WalkInCare.

Want Care at Home? No Problem!

Prefer care at home? Valley Health System has partnered with DispatchHealth to bring on-demand care right to your door. From common illnesses to more complex injuries, this team can treat you safely and comfortably without leaving the house. Visit ValleyHealth.com/DispatchHealth for more information. 

Life-threatening? Call 911

If you are having a life-threatening emergency, you should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. This includes, but is not limited to, if you are having trouble breathing or chest pain, sudden weakness or difficulty speaking, uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain, or serious injury. 

The Valley Hospital Emergency Department is located at 4 Valley Health Plaza in Paramus, New Jersey. The brand-new facility offers an expanded emergency department featuring 80 single-patient rooms. A dedicated pediatric emergency department is also available. 

For more information about The Valley Hospital and its services, please visit ValleyHealth.com.