Finding your way in the world of healthcare can feel like a maze. With various levels of care available, it’s essential to understand where you fit in and when you might need to seek a specialist. It’s also extremely important to be aware of your primary provider’s levels of care. One of the benefits of being a patient at RMC Health Center is the continuum of care we can provide for our patients.
Keep reading to learn how RMC can guide you seamlessly from primary to specialty services.
What Are the Different Levels of Care?
Medical care levels are often divided into four levels: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary. Let’s discuss the differences between them below:
- Primary Care is your first point of contact for health concerns. Think of your family doctor or general practitioner—they handle routine check-ups and preventive care and help you manage chronic conditions. This is where you start if you have a sore throat or need a flu shot.
- Secondary (or specialty) Care involves specialists with more expertise in specific areas of health. A specialist is someone you would go to if your primary care physician (PCP) identifies a condition that requires more detailed attention. For example, if you have a heart problem, your PCP would refer you to a cardiologist, or if your doctor suspects a urological disorder, they will send you to a nephrologist.
- Tertiary Care is for more complex cases that require highly specialized equipment and expertise. Hospitals like RMC that provide tertiary care have the resources to handle major surgeries, advanced diagnostics, and treatment for serious illnesses like cancer.
- Quarternary Care is an extension of tertiary care and is as specialized as it gets. This level of care involves cutting-edge treatments and experimental medicine that are usually only provided in major research hospitals.
What’s the Difference Between Primary Care and Urgent Care?
Urgent care facilities are fairly new to the healthcare industry, with the first established in the 1970s. They were designed to bridge the gap between primary care and the emergency room. With many locations and often shorter wait times, urgent care centers are an excellent option for non-life-threatening situations that require immediate attention. An urgent care center is a safe, convenient option when you have a minor injury or a sudden illness that occurs outside of regular office hours.
However, urgent care cannot replace primary care, and it was never meant to. The staff at urgent care centers can treat immediate problems but don’t provide long-term health management like your PCP. They’re there for the quick fix, not the deep dive. After your visit, they’ll often refer you to a primary care provider or specialist, but they don’t have access to a network connected to a hospital like RMC.
Primary Care vs. Specialty Care at RMC
At RMC Health Center, we offer a comprehensive range of services all under one roof! Having your primary care provider here means you’re not just a number—you’re part of a healthcare family. Your doctor knows your history, understands your concerns, and can seamlessly coordinate any specialized care you might need.
If you require a specialist, your PCP at RMC can refer you to one of our expert specialists within the same hospital system. This ensures continuity of care, as all your records are in one place, and your care team can easily collaborate. Plus, it’s convenient to have all of your appointments in and around the Anniston, Oxford, and Jacksonville areas, which is particularly valuable when dealing with more complex health issues that require frequent appointments.
Receive Comprehensive Healthcare at RMC
At RMC Health Center, we believe in providing more than just medical care—we offer a seamless experience that puts your health first. From primary care to specialty services, our integrated approach ensures that every aspect of your health is taken care of, all under one provider. Don’t leave your healthcare to chance; choose RMC for a comprehensive, patient-centered experience.
Schedule an appointment with one of our primary care physicians today and take the first step toward better health!