At UPMC in Central Pa., we have many care options to serve you. If you need treatment for things like sore throats, cough, colds, or rashes, your UPMC primary care team is a good option to start with. Your doctor’s office can help you with the right care option, whether it’s an in-person or video visit. If you don't have a primary care provider, let us help you find one.
Find a primary care provider
Call Your Primary Care Provider First
Your primary care provider (PCP) is always your best option for minor illnesses that do not require emergency or urgent care. Your UPMC PCP is your partner in health, providing routine care, treating illness, managing chronic conditions, and acting as your advocate within the health care system. Your PCP generally provides you with most of your medical care. If you need specialized treatment for a health problem, your PCP will refer you to a specialist and help coordinate your treatment.
Your UPMC PCP is the right person to help with common illnesses, minor injuries, and routine health exams. Call your PCP first before seeking care at other health care locations for these services:
- Ongoing care, like chronic disease management, physicals, prescription refills, vaccinations, and health screenings
- Common illnesses, such as colds, flu, earaches, sore throats, coughs, migraines, fever, or rashes
- Minor injuries, such as sprains, back pain, minor cuts and burns, minor broken bones, or minor eye injuries
- When you need advice about a health care problem
Consider Virtual Primary Care–UPMC. a virtual, full-service family medicine practice offering a complete spectrum of care for people ages 18 and older. We manage your health and provide preventive and diagnostic care for both acute and chronic illnesses, to help you achieve and maintain good health. When an in-person visit or service is needed, you can be seen at any of the traditional practice sites of virtual practice provider.
Virtual primary care is an ideal health care option for patients who have transportation or childcare challenges, fixed work hours, or travel often. To schedule your new patient virtual visit, simply use the online self-scheduling link or call 717-207-4800.
24/7 Nurse Advice Line
When you’re not feeling well, always call your primary care provider first. Even when the office is closed, our nurse advice line in Central Pa. is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Simply call your PCP’s office and select the nurse advice option, or call
717-988-0074, toll-free
1-866-968-7731. A registered nurse will ensure you get the right care in the right setting and there is no charge. Allow our nurse advice team to help determine your pathway to care.
Online Video Visits
On-demand video visits are now available the UPMC Central PA Portal for patients experiencing COVID-19 or flu symptoms! Video visits are available Monday through Sunday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wait times will vary by day and time. In addition, patients can schedule their primary care and specialty care visits via online video as well. Please call your doctor today to see if a video visit is an option for you. Primary care patients can also schedule a video visit directly through their patient portal. Learn more about video visits.
E-Visits for Non-Emergency Conditions
UPMC in Central Pa. now offers E-Visits through the UPMC Central PA portal. An E-Visit is an online visit with a primary care provider that can be used as an alternative to a traditional office visit for certain non-emergency conditions. E-Visits are for patients age 14 and older, who currently has an established relationship with a UPMC primary care provider. Learn more about an E-Visit with your provider.
Our Care Options