It comes down to what’s open, how dangerous the condition is, and who was outfitted to do what.

If you’re having legitimate trouble breathing like you are filling your lungs and it’s not enough, or you can’t get enough air in your lungs for any reason, straight to the ER.

Unknown irregular heartbeat or chest pain that doesn’t go away with antacid, go to the ER.

Urgent cares near me generally have x-ray equipment. They’re capable of a few stitches, they can handle prescriptions for emergent illness. If you walk in there with a f’dup heart rhythm or breathing problems they’re going to call you an ambulance.

Scheduling something with your primary care is for all your other long-term needs. Preventative maintenance, blood tests, they can probably do an EKG and they should be the ones managing your long-term medications.

If you have something that feels urgent and the urgent care isn’t open the ER is always an option.