One of the most common questions patients have is whether their symptoms should be evaluated at an urgent care clinic or in the emergency room. We asked Dr. Kiskila to explain how patients can decide where to seek care.
Question: What types of health concerns are appropriate for urgent care?
Dr. Kiskila: Urgent care is designed to treat non-life-threatening medical issues that still need prompt attention. Many of the conditions we see are things that cannot wait several days for a primary care appointment, but do not require emergency care.
Some common reasons patients visit urgent care include:
- Cold and flu symptoms
- Cough, sore throat, or fever
- Sinus infections
- Ear infections
- Minor injuries such as sprains or strains
- Small cuts that may require stitches
- Minor fractures
- Rashes or allergic reactions
- Urinary tract infections
- Mild dehydration or stomach illness
Urgent care clinics are also able to perform services such as X-rays, lab testing, and certain procedures, which allows us to diagnose and treat many common conditions quickly.
Question: When should someone go to the emergency room instead?
Dr. Kiskila: The emergency room is the best place for serious or potentially life-threatening conditions that require advanced monitoring or immediate intervention.
Patients should seek emergency care for symptoms such as:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Difficulty breathing or severe shortness of breath
- Signs of stroke, including sudden weakness, confusion, or trouble speaking
- Severe head injuries
- Major trauma or significant bleeding
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe abdominal pain
- Serious burns
In these situations, emergency departments have the specialized equipment and teams needed to manage critical conditions.
Question: What are some benefits of choosing urgent care when it’s appropriate?
Dr. Kiskila: Urgent care clinics are designed to provide convenient, same-day care for many common illnesses and injuries. Patients are often able to be seen more quickly than they might be in a hospital emergency department, and the cost of care is typically lower.
Our goal is to provide high-quality medical care in a setting that is efficient and accessible for patients and families.
Question: If someone isn’t sure where to go, what should they do?
Dr. Kiskila: If you are unsure whether your symptoms require urgent care or emergency care, it is always best to err on the side of caution. If symptoms feel severe or concerning, the emergency room is the safest option.
For many everyday illnesses and injuries, urgent care can provide timely evaluation and treatment so patients can start feeling better sooner.
At Marque Urgent Care, our providers treat a wide range of everyday medical concerns, helping patients get the care they need without the long wait times often associated with hospital emergency departments.
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