Emergency Room
If you are experiencing chest pain, you should go to the Emergency Room (ER) right away. Chest pain can be a symptom of a serious medical condition, such as a heart attack or pulmonary embolism, and should not be ignored. The ER will be able to assess your condition and provide you with the appropriate treatment. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may be admitted to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
Primary Care Physician
If the chest pain is more mild and not an emergency, you should make an appointment with your primary care physician (PCP). Your PCP can help diagnose the cause of your chest pain. They may order tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or blood tests to help determine the cause. Depending on the results, your PCP may refer you to a specialist, such as a cardiologist, for further treatment.
Urgent Care Center
If the chest pain is not an emergency but you are unable to get an appointment with your PCP, you may want to consider going to an urgent care center. An urgent care center can provide care for minor injuries and illnesses that are not life-threatening. While urgent care centers are not equipped to provide the same level of care as an ER or a PCP, they can provide diagnosis and treatment for many conditions.