Learn about the convenient care options available to you as an Ochsner patient and decide which appointment type is best for your symptoms and concerns.
Should I Go to Primary Care, Urgent Care or the Emergency Room?
Still have questions? Our nurses are standing by to help at Ochsner On Call.
Our primary care and pediatrics physicians and providers are here to help you and your family feel better and stay healthy.
We offer convenient appointments, both in-person and virtually, when you are feeling sick. And we can help you with the advice and resources you need to stay healthy.
Your primary care and pediatrics options include:
- Same day and next-day appointments
- Virtual visits
- E-Visits (available for most providers)
- Extended hours and weekend appointments in most areas
- Secure messaging through the MyOchsner patient portal
Services offered by primary care and pediatrics providers include:
- Sick care and seasonal allergy
- Well visits
- Annual health check-up and complete physicals
- Vaccinations, including annual flu shots
- Coordinated care of chronic conditions
- Diagnosis and disease management
- Referrals to specialty care as needed
Your primary care and pediatric physicians and providers will also ensure your medical records are up-to-date and available anywhere in the Ochsner network, so you can get the care you need quickly and safely at specialists’ offices, urgent care, and the emergency room.
Our team of specialists and surgeons offer everything from routine diagnostics to innovative treatments for complex and chronic conditions.
Some examples of specialty care include:
- Cardiology
- Cancer
- Digestive disorders
- Endocrinology
- Men’s health
- Neurosciences
- Orthopedics and sports medicine
- Psychiatry and behavioral health
- Organ transplants
- Women’s services
Urgent care appointments are best for non-emergency illnesses and injuries that could be treated by your primary care provider, but you need care after hours or can’t wait for an appointment.
Find urgent care options:
Schedule a virtual visit with Ochsner Connected Anywhere
Treatable with a virtual visit:
Symptoms similar to COVID (Fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath)
Cold/flu and cough
Allergy and sinus issues
Urinary tract infections
Fevers
Pink eye
Sore throats
Stomach pain
Rashes
Treatable with an in-person visit:
- All of the above, plus...
- Dehydration
- Sprains and strains
- Allergic reactions and asthma
- Small burns and cuts that may require stitches
- Bug bites and animal bites
- Ear infection
If you need immediate medical attention, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
We are here 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide immediate treatment for a severe and life-threatening conditions, including:
Severe chest pain
Severe bleeding
Severe asthma attack/difficulty breathing
Severe head trauma
Loss of consciousness
Severe allergic reaction
Sudden vision loss or impairment
Severe abdominal pain
Severe dehydration
Nurses are available to talk to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week through our free Ochsner On Call care line.
Our specially trained, registered nurses can talk to you about your health concerns and help you decide if your symptoms require a visit to urgent care or the emergency room. Our nurses can also help with advice and recommendations for:
COVID-19 exposure and symptoms
Non-COVID symptoms and health concerns
Self-care techniques
Additional care options available to you
We care about all aspects of your health and wellness. Your Ochsner team is ready to partner with you to meet all your care needs as well as your goals to stay healthy.
You can see all the physicians and providers who have cared for you when you log into your MyOchsner account. Stay connected with in-person and virtual appointments, and direct messaging.
When to schedule an in-person appointment or virtual visit
If you are feeling sick or unwell
If you are in pain
If you would like a provider’s opinion on your symptoms
If you need support on a long-term health goal, such as mental health, weight loss, or diabetes maintenance
When to send your provider a message through the patient portal
To provide a follow up as requested by your provider
To ask a question about the medication or therapy your provider has prescribed
To ask a question about your test results
To request paperwork such as medical excuse notes for school or work, or prior authorization for insurance coverage