When do you need emergency care vs. outpatient care in a clinic or a house call? Many patients end up in emergency frustrated by the wait. The main reasons are that there are many other people who are also very sick, or your symptoms and condition are not necessarily considered emergent. When your condition is not emergent, you will generally wait a very long time in order to see a doctor. Try looking for care in the best setting that will serve your needs – walk-in, family doctor, emergency, or house call.