When a health concern comes up, it is not always clear what to do next. You may wonder whether to call a doctor, visit urgent care or go to the emergency room.

St. David’s HealthCare’s Consult-A-Nurse® line can help. This free, 24/7 service connects you with experienced, licensed nurses who can provide health information, guidance and support. Nurses cannot diagnose conditions over the phone, but they can help you understand your options and decide where to seek care.

Questions nurses can help with include:

  • What type of care do I need?

  • Should I go to urgent care or the emergency room?

  • What kind of doctor should I see?

  • How can I schedule an appointment?

  • Do I need a referral to a specialist?

And their guidance covers many types of care, including primary care, pediatrics, women’s health, heart care, orthopedics, dermatology, neurological care, gastroenterology, urology, pulmonary care and emergency services.

Urgent care or emergency care?

According to St. David’s HealthCare, urgent care may be appropriate for illnesses or injuries that need attention but are not life-threatening, such as:

  • Bug bites

  • Cold and flu symptoms

  • Cuts or minor wounds

  • Fever

  • Migraines

  • Minor sprains

  • Sore throat

  • Skin concerns

Emergency care is typically for severe symptoms, serious injuries or life-threatening conditions, such as:

  • Chest pain

  • Symptoms of a heart attack or stroke

  • Major burns or wounds

  • Major trauma

  • Poisoning

  • Seizures

  • Serious injuries

  • High fever

If you think you may be experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 right away.

What are some common grey-area symptoms?

St. David’s HealthCare provided the following information on many of the symptoms that sit in a grey zone where it is hard to tell if they require emergency intervention or routine follow-up:

1. High blood pressure

High blood pressure is often called "the silent killer" because, even without noticeable symptoms, it can do considerable damage to your health.

If your blood pressure is 180/120 mmHg or higher, accompanied by chest pain, severe headache, shortness of breath, vision changes or difficulty speaking, this situation may cause significant damage to organs such as your heart, brain or kidneys. Immediate medical attention is critical.

If your blood pressure is 180/120 mmHg or higher, but you’re not experiencing any associated symptoms, it is urgent, but not immediately life-threatening. Treatment typically involves adjusting your medications and making lifestyle changes.

2. Heart palpitations or a racing heart

Feeling your heart flutter, skip a beat or pound in your chest can be alarming. While often triggered by stress, caffeine or dehydration, palpitations can indicate cardiac arrhythmia.

If palpitations pass within a few seconds and you feel fine otherwise, consulting a primary care physician or calling Consult-A-Nurse® is a great starting point. If palpitations occur alongside chest pain, pressure or tightness, fainting or near-fainting, severe dizziness or lightheadedness, severe or sudden shortness of breath, or sudden weakness, confusion or other concerning symptoms, call 911 immediately.

3. Digestive symptoms (stomach bug vs. serious illness)

Nausea, abdominal cramping, vomiting and diarrhea are common, but telling a routine stomach virus apart from conditions like appendicitis or severe dehydration can be difficult.

Typical flu or mild bug symptoms begin to improve over several days, and patients are able to keep enough fluids down to stay hydrated.

Urgent care is needed when symptoms are moderate but are not improving, if you are mildly dehydrated, or if you need help managing nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Emergency care is needed if you cannot keep fluids down, if you have severe or worsening abdominal pain, if you see blood in vomit or stool, or if you feel faint, confused or very weak.

How can you call Consult-A-Nurse®?

Health questions can feel stressful, especially after hours or when symptoms change quickly.

For answers, advice and support, call Consult-A-Nurse® at (844) 70-NURSE (844-706-8773).

For more information on health concerns and advice, visit https://www.stdavids.com/healthy-living/blog.

Frequently asked questions

What is St. David’s Consult-A-Nurse® service?

It is a free, 24/7 helpline that connects callers with experienced, licensed nurses who provide health guidance, help you evaluate symptoms and navigate care options. Nurses cannot diagnose conditions over the phone, but they can guide you on where to seek care or help schedule appointments.

When is high blood pressure considered a medical emergency?

If your blood pressure reaches 180/120 mmHg or higher and is accompanied by chest pain, severe headache, shortness of breath, vision changes or trouble speaking, seek immediate emergency care.

What should I do if I experience heart palpitations?

If the flutter or racing passes in a few seconds and you feel fine otherwise, call Consult-A-Nurse® or follow up with a primary care doctor. Call 911 immediately if palpitations occur alongside chest pressure, fainting, severe dizziness, sudden shortness of breath or confusion.

How do I tell if a stomach issue needs emergency treatment?

Go to the ER if you cannot keep fluids down, have severe or worsening abdominal pain, see blood in your vomit or stool, or feel faint or confused.

How can I reach the Consult-A-Nurse® line?

Call (844) 70-NURSE (844-706-8773) anytime. If you believe you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.