General health education · Reviewed by Nicholas O. Atudonyang, MD, Medical Director, on October 18, 2026. Not a diagnosis or an individual care plan.
Primary care: continuity and non-emergency concerns
A primary care office is a place to establish an ongoing relationship, plan prevention, review results, and follow known conditions. For a new concern, call to discuss appointment availability and whether the office is appropriate. Do not assume an appointment will be available today.
Urgent care: timely hands-on assessment
An urgent care facility may be appropriate when a non-life-threatening concern cannot wait for routine follow-up. Availability of examinations, testing, imaging, and procedures varies by facility. Call ahead when practical, but do not delay emergency care to compare facilities.
Emergency care: serious or rapidly worsening symptoms
Call 911 or seek emergency care for severe breathing difficulty, stroke-like symptoms, chest pain, uncontrolled bleeding, fainting, major injury, or another potentially life-threatening condition. This is not an exhaustive list.
If you are unsure, call ahead
For a non-emergency concern, call the Huntsville or Fairview office during business hours to ask whether an office appointment is appropriate. This website does not provide triage. If symptoms are severe or getting worse quickly, do not wait for a call back.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Do not wait for a routine appointment, phone call back or email reply.