It is best to understand what kind of care you might need and where to find it when you are either sick or injured. Sometimes you might need to receive care soon, but it is not an emergency, like for an ankle sprain. Then there are other times when you should get to an emergency room immediately. An example might be if you have a severe fever or are violently vomiting. Knowing and understanding the difference between urgent care and emergency care will help you get the right care when you need it. It will also save you money.
If you have questions or need advice, simply call an urgent care facility to help you find care options that will work best for you.
If you believe you or your family member has a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest hospital.
Urgent Care Versus Emergency Care
Urgent care facilities are for conditions that are not an emergency but still require prompt medical attention, usually within 24 to 48 hours. Urgent care needs often include sore throats and minor cuts. Most urgent care centers are open when your family doctor’s office is not, such as weekends, evenings, or holidays.
Emergency care is usually for a medical or psychiatric condition that requires medical attention immediately to prevent serious harm to your health. This might include chest pain or pressure. You receive emergency care at hospital emergency rooms, which will be open 24 hours a day.
When to Go to Urgent Care
Many non-emergency conditions can be treated at an urgent facility. These may include:
- Minor injuries and cuts.
- Backaches.
- Sore throats and earaches.
- Upper respiratory symptoms and issues.
- Frequent urination or a burning sensation when you are urinating.
When to Go to the Emergency Room
You should go to an emergency room to treat conditions that need immediate attention. Some examples of more emergent issues include:
- Severe, persistent bleeding.
- A broken bone or head injury.
- Severe stomach pain that comes on quite suddenly.
- A decrease or loss of consciousness.
- Severe shortness of breath.
Four Reasons to Go to Urgent Care
For any minor injuries or illnesses, it is best to visit urgent care. It will help you receive the correct care at the right time. It will also save you time and money. Here are four reasons to choose urgent care instead of emergency care:
- Access to the care you need- Get the right kind of care you need for your illness or injury. Urgent care offers a wide range of services, including X-rays and basic lab tests.
- Shorter waiting times- You will usually receive care faster than in the emergency room, which will treat seriously sick and injured patients first. Emergency room waiting times can easily be hours during busy times.
- Convenient hours- Many urgent care centers are open evenings, weekends, and holidays, and walk-ins are always welcome.
- Lower costs- You usually will pay less out-of-pocket costs for an urgent care visit than for an emergency department visit.
Related Article: Common Acute Care Injuries Treated at Urgent Care Clinics