It can be difficult to know when to go to urgent care and when to go to the emergency room. Both facilities offer lifesaving care, but they provide it in different ways and under different circumstances. Here is a guide on how to tell which one is right for you.
If possible, it’s best to see your primary care doctor or your child’s pediatrician for routine healthcare needs because they are already familiar with the relevant medical history. However, if you’re unable to see your regular doctor and need to be seen the same day, a visit to an urgent care center is a convenient, cost-effective option.
Urgent care centers can treat moderate, unforeseen medical problems in adults and children that – while not emergencies – require care within 24 hours. Urgent care situations can include:
- A cut that needs stitches.
- Abdominal pain.
- Fever.
- Sore throat.
- Ear pain.
- Vomiting and diarrhea.
- An eye scratch.
- Worsening of an existing condition, such as mild to moderate asthma.
- A spike in blood pressure.
- Routine injuries, such as sprained ankles and back problems.
- Simple broken bones.
- A non-life-threatening accident or fall.
When to Head to the Emergency Room
A true emergency is when an illness or injury places you or your child’s health or life in serious jeopardy and treatment cannot be delayed.
In these situations, call 911 or go immediately to the nearest emergency room:
- Facial drooping, arm weakness and difficulty speaking (signs of a stroke).
- Dizziness, sudden confusion and difficulty seeing or moving your body.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Chest pain.
- Head injury with blacking out.
- Severe allergic reaction.
- Spurting blood.
- Seizure or unconsciousness.
- Ingestion of a toxic substance.
- High-speed car accident or a high fall.