When in doubt, treat it as an emergency!
If you’re sick or injured, the last thing on your mind is whether it makes more sense to visit the emergency room (ER) or an urgent care (UC) facility. Understanding the differences between these care facilities now will help you in the future should you need immediate help.
The difference between ER and UC:
- Emergency Room (ER)
- Treat severe and life threatening conditions
- Specialty trained doctors and nurses
- Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Urgent Care (UC)
- Diagnoses and treats conditions not life-threatening, yet, but are urgent
- Offer quality care on a walk-in basis
- Typically have extended evening and weekend hours
Common reasons why you may visit the ER:
- Chest pain
- Severe or sudden pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Abdominal pain
- Stroke
- Severe bleeding
- Head injury
- Major trauma
Common reasons you may visit the UC center:
- Sprained ankle
- Ear infections
- Fever or flu-like symptoms
- Allergic reactions
- Broken bones
- Coughs, colds or sore throats
- Animal bites
If you aren’t in an emergency situation, there are many advantages to going to an urgent care center:
- Save time and money
- Usually shorter wait times
- Lower co-pays
The well-being of you and your family is of the utmost importance, so if you are ever in doubt of whether or not it’s a life-threatening or emergency situation, consult your physician or choose to seek care at the emergency room.
Disclaimer: This post is not intended to be medical advice. We are not licensed physicians and your care should be determined by you and your doctor.
