Not every health issue requires a trip to the Emergency Department. MetroHealth makes it easy to get the right care, whether it’s from virtual visits, express care or emergency care. It’s all connected through your medical record, so your provider always has the full picture.
January 9, 2026
Know Where to Go: Virtual Visit, Express Care or Emergency Department
When you or a loved one isn’t feeling well, the last thing you need is confusion about where to go for help. Should you head to the emergency department? Go to express care? Schedule a virtual visit? There are so many care options available, it’s natural to feel unsure. Especially when you need answers fast.
MetroHealth offers several options, both in person and online. Whether it’s a mild illness, a sudden injury or a serious emergency, MetroHealth makes it simple to know where to turn.
Also, MetroHealth keeps all your health information in one secure medical record. This means that every provider you see – whether it’s virtual, express, emergency care – can view your full health history. This helps make every visit safer, smoother and more personal.
When to Choose a Virtual Visit
Virtual care is ideal for:
- Coughs, colds, sinus issues or mild sore throats
- Mild fevers
- Rashes or skin irritations
- Medication refills
- Follow-up visits
If you have questions about non-urgent symptoms
If you wake up with a sore throat, develop a mild fever overnight or need help managing an ongoing health problem, virtual care can save you a trip and help you start feeling better sooner. For details on how virtual visits work, check out Virtual Care: See a MetroHealth Provider from Home, a helpful guide available on Be SimplyWell.
What are my options for virtual care?
We offer:
- Immediate access to a provider in a real-time, face-to-face video visit
- For minor illnesses and injuries that do not require an in-person physical exam
- Available for ages 6 to adult
- Seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Same-day access to a provider in a real-time, face-to-face video visit
- For health concerns you want to address today, but are not urgent
- Available for those 18 years and above
- Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Scheduled non-urgent access to a primary care provider
- For those looking to build a lasting relationship with a primary care provider
- Available for those 18 years and above
- Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
When to Go to Express Care
When you need to see a provider in person, but it’s not an emergency, Express Care is often the best choice. MetroHealth Express Care centers let you walk in, are open longer hours and help you get same-day care for many common problems.
Choose Express Care for:
- Minor cuts, sprains or strains
- Flu symptoms
- Severe sore throat pain
- Ear infections
- Urinary tract infections
- X-rays or basic lab tests
- Symptoms that need same-day attention
Express Care gives you fast, expert care without the long wait you might have at an Emergency Department. And because MetroHealth connects all your care in one medical record, your primary care provider can easily see your visit details and follow up if needed.
MetroHealth Express Care locations:
When It’s Time for the Emergency Department
Some health problems need specialized care right away. If you have a life-threatening or very serious emergency, call 911 or go directly to the nearest MetroHealth Emergency Department.
Use the Emergency Department for:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Trouble breathing
- Severe or uncontrolled bleeding
- Stroke symptoms, like sudden weakness or trouble speaking
- Major injuries or broken bones
- Severe belly (abdominal) pain
- Sudden confusion, vision loss or fainting
MetroHealth’s Emergency Departments are open 24/7. They have emergency doctors and nurses, trauma experts and advanced diagnostic teams who are ready to treat complex or critical conditions. If you want to learn more about when to choose emergency care, you can explore the Be SimplyWell guide, Know Your Body: When It’s Time for the Emergency Department.
MetroHealth Emergency Department locations:
- Brecksville Health and Surgery Center
- Cleveland Heights Medical Center
- Main Campus Medical Center
- Parma Medical Center
