When you are hurt or feeling unwell, it is not always clear where to go. Emergency rooms are essential for life-threatening conditions, but urgent care can handle many common issues more quickly and at a lower cost.
What Urgent Care Can Treat
Urgent care is designed for non-life-threatening conditions that still need prompt attention. Common reasons to visit urgent care include minor cuts requiring stitches, sprains and strains, ear infections, sore throats, fever, flu symptoms, mild asthma attacks, and urinary tract infections.
When to Go to the Emergency Room
Some symptoms require immediate emergency care. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, sudden weakness or numbness, severe abdominal pain, head trauma, or signs of stroke.
Benefits of Urgent Care
Urgent care centers typically have shorter wait times and lower costs than emergency rooms. Many offer walk-in appointments, on-site lab testing, and diagnostic imaging, so you can get answers and treatment in one visit.
Consider Your Primary Care Provider
For ongoing issues, medication refills, or routine concerns, your primary care provider is usually the best choice. They know your health history and can coordinate follow-up care.
Plan Ahead
Knowing your options before an illness or injury happens can save time and stress. Save the contact information for your primary care clinic, nearest urgent care, and emergency department so you are prepared when minutes matter.