Urgent care or the ER: How do I know where to go?
Suppose you become sick or hurt when your doctor’s office is closed and you need medical attention. It can be confusing to know where to go, so it’s good to know about the options in advance.
Urgent care or ER? A quick guide
Here’s a quick guide to help you decide where to go for situations that require immediate attention. Making the right choice can save time, money, and stress.
Call 911
Always call 911 and do not drive yourself to the ER if you experience any life-threatening medical problem, such as chest pain, seizure, or excessive bleeeding.
Urgent care: Quick, effective care for minor injuries or illnesses
Urgent care providers offer fast treatment for minor health issues that need attention but are not life-threatening.
Go to urgent care clinics for:
- Minor cuts, burns, or wounds
- Severe cold and flu symptoms
- Sprains and minor fractures
- Persistent fever
- Allergies and mild asthma symptoms
- Other non-life-threatening but urgent needs.
Urgent care costs less and has shorter wait times for treatment of minor conditions than the ER.
ER: For life-threatening or severe injuries
Emergency rooms are for serious conditions when waiting for treatment could result in loss of life or limb.
Go to the ER for:
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain
- Heavy bleeding
- A broken bone sticking out
- Seizures, passing out, or sudden confusion
- Poisoning
- Snakebite
- Head injuries
- Numbness in the face, arms, or legs
