Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room – When to Make the Right Choice

Download the Urgent Care vs. ER PDF guide here

Questions?  We are here for you! 1-877-MY DOC NOW (693-6266)

Save time, book your appointment online HERE

What is an Urgent Care?

Urgent care centers provide patients with an alternative to the Emergency Room. It’s a fast and convenient way to treat urgent medical issues, but not life threatening.

• Offers extended hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Wait times are much shorter than in the ER. Some clinics, like Marque, publish wait times and offer online check in.
• Cost effective. Urgent cares are much less than an ER visit, even with insurance.

What is an Emergency Room?

• Open 24/7, 365 days a year.
• Wait times can vary significantly. Life-threatening and serious conditions are seen first, so you can end up waiting for hours.
• Even a short ER visit can be expensive, and most insurances charge a higher co-pay.

Urgent Care Conditions: When to go to an Urgent Care

• Minor fractures and sprains
• X-rays
• Back pain
• Nausea, vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Minor headaches
• Blood work
• Bumps, cut and scrapes
• Fever
• Cold/flu symptoms
• Ear and sinus pain
• Cough or sore throat
• Animal bites
• Stitches
• Mild asthma
• Minor burns and rashes
• Eye irritation, swelling or pain

ER Conditions: When to go to the Emergency Room

• Any severe/life-threatening conditions
• Heart attack, shortness of breath
• Stroke: face droop, arm weakness, speech difficulty
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Disorientation/vision impairment
• Chest pain
• Seizures
• Severe burns
• Animal and snake bites
• Severe head injury
• Shock or trauma
• Severe allergic reaction

Questions?  We are here for you! 1-877-MY DOC NOW (693-6266)

Save time, book your appointment online HERE