ER vs Urgent Care

Knowing when to go to the emergency room (ER) versus urgent care can be confusing, but it's important to understand the difference so you can get the appropriate level of care.

Emergency rooms are equipped to handle life-threatening emergencies such as chest pain, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, sudden paralysis or weakness, and other serious medical conditions that require immediate attention. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have a medical emergency, you should go to the ER or call 911.

Urgent care centers, on the other hand, are designed to provide prompt medical attention for non-life-threatening conditions. These include minor injuries such as sprains, cuts, and burns, as well as illnesses like flu, strep throat, UTis and ear infections. Urgent care centers also provide diagnostic services such as X-rays and lab tests, and can offer preventive care services like vaccinations and physical exams.

In general, if you are experiencing symptoms that are not life-threatening but require prompt attention, you should consider going to an urgent care center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms or have a life-threatening medical condition, you should go to the emergency room or call 911.

It's important to note that if you are unsure whether to go to the ER or urgent care, you can always call your healthcare provider for advice. They can help you determine the appropriate level of care based on your symptoms and medical history.

In summary, the emergency room is designed for life-threatening emergencies, while urgent care centers are for non-life-threatening conditions that require prompt attention. If you're unsure where to go, it's best to seek advice from a healthcare provide. Our Team can be text or spoken to daily from 8 am to 6pm at 970.538.8806.