Getting care
Direct primary care vs. urgent care in Colorado Springs
When to text your doctor, when urgent care makes sense, and when to go straight to the emergency room.
Key takeaways
- With DPC, your own doctor is your first call for colds, infections, rashes, sprains and small cuts, usually seen the same day or the next.
- Urgent care is for when your doctor isn't available, such as when you're traveling.
- Chest pain, signs of a stroke, severe bleeding or trouble breathing: call 911 or go to the emergency room.
Most people end up at urgent care because they can't get in to see their own doctor. A sore throat, a sprained ankle or a rash shouldn't mean a long wait with a clinician who has never met you. One of the biggest changes direct primary care makes is that your own doctor becomes your first call.
What your DPC doctor can handle
As a Peak Health member, you'll be able to reach me directly and usually be seen the same day or the next. That covers most of what people take to urgent care:
- Colds, sore throats, ear infections and sinus infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Rashes, bites and minor skin infections
- Sprains, strains and many simple fractures, including splinting and casting
- Small cuts that need stitches
- Flare-ups of asthma, allergies or other conditions I already help you manage
Because I know your history, your medications and your allergies, I can often make a better decision faster, and a text or photo is sometimes all it takes.
When urgent care still makes sense
Urgent care is useful when you need to be seen in person and I'm not available, such as when you're traveling or I'm away and have arranged coverage. If you do go, send me a message afterward so I can follow up and keep your record complete.
When to go to the emergency room or call 911
Direct primary care does not replace emergency care. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away for:
- Chest pain or pressure, or trouble breathing
- Signs of a stroke: face drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech or sudden confusion
- Severe bleeding, a serious injury or a head injury with confusion
- Fainting, a seizure or a severe allergic reaction
- Thoughts of harming yourself or someone else. You can also call or text 988.
If you're not sure, call 911. It's always better to be checked and sent home than to wait.
The bottom line: where to go
With a direct primary care doctor, the order changes: your doctor first for everyday problems, urgent care when your doctor isn't available, and the emergency room for emergencies.
| Your DPC doctor | Urgent care | ER or 911 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| When | Your first call, usually seen the same day or the next | When you need to be seen in person and I'm not available, such as when you're traveling | Right away for an emergency, or whenever you're not sure |
| For example | Colds, sore throats, urinary tract infections, rashes, sprains, simple fractures, small cuts | The same everyday problems, while I'm away | Chest pain, trouble breathing, signs of a stroke, severe bleeding, a seizure, a severe allergic reaction |
| Good to know | I know your history, so a text or photo is sometimes all it takes | Send me a message afterward so I can follow up | Then message me so I can follow up and keep your record complete |
For how membership pricing works, read How much does DPC cost in Colorado Springs?
Questions about urgent care and DPC
What happens in an emergency?
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Direct primary care does not replace emergency care.
Can I text Dr. Bennett instead of going to urgent care?
Members will be able to call or text Dr. Bennett directly, and many everyday problems can be handled the same day, sometimes with just a message or photo.
What if I need care while I'm traveling?
Use a local urgent care or emergency room as needed, then message Dr. Bennett so he can follow up and keep your record complete.
Can you stitch cuts and set simple fractures?
Many cuts can be stitched and many simple fractures splinted or cast in the office. Serious injuries belong in the emergency room.
Join the waitlist
Peak Health is not open yet. It opens for direct primary care in Colorado Springs after Dr. Bennett's Army service ends. People on the waitlist hear first and are offered membership first.
No payment and no commitment.