Think Before You Go


Sick person

Urgent Care or Emergency Department?

We continue to experience high demand for services in our emergency departments. To ensure this resource is available to those who need it most urgently, it’s important to know what type of care you need when you are sick or injured.

St. Peter’s Health Partners’ emergency departments are located in Albany Memorial Campus, St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany and Samaritan Hospital in Troy.

NO COVID Testing at Emergency Departments

St. Peter's Health Partners Emergency Departments are NOT public COVID testing sites. You should NOT come to the emergency department with mild COVID symptoms or for COVID testing. If you have serious symptoms like a high fever, trouble breathing, or chest pain, please call 9-1-1 or immediately go to the emergency department for care.

COVID Testing Information

Where Should You Go?

Always have your list of current medications ready!

Virtual Care 1

For care and treatment of non-urgent issues

  • Routine Well Visits
  • Preventative Care
  • Immunizations or Shots
  • Diabetes
  • Rashes
  • Gastrointestinal Issues
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Tooth Pain
  • Sore Throat
  • Pink Eye
  • Lower Back Pain
  • Animal or Insect Bite
  • Urinary Tract Infection
  • Pelvic Wellness

Virtual Care
Virtual Care 2

For immediate but not life-threatening needs

  • COVID-19 Testing and Evaluation
  • Sprains and Strains
  • Stitches
  • Rashes
  • Cold and Flu Symptoms
  • Tooth Pain
  • Sore Throat
  • Pink Eye
  • Lower Back Pain
  • Animal or Insect Bite
  • Ear Pain

WellNow Urgent Care welcomes walk-ins and has online appointments available. (St. Peter’s Health Partners has a joint venture with WellNow.)

Locations Near Me
Virtual Care 3

For any life-or-death emergency or urgent afterhours needs (open 24/7)

  • Allergic Reactions
  • Babies Needing Immediate Care
  • Chest Pain
  • Severe Burns
  • Seizures
  • Serious Eye or Head Injuries
  • Stroke Symptoms
  • Severe Abdominal Pain
  • Broken Bones
  • Rapid Bleeding
  • Heart Attack Symptoms
  • High Fevers
  • Breathing Problems
  • Drug Overdose or Poisoning
  • Bad Falls (for Seniors)
  • Any Life-threatening or Limb-threatening Injuries

More Details


Dial 9-1-1 immediately for any medical problem that appears life-threatening