Emergency Room vs. Urgent Care
When sudden illness or injury strikes, knowing whether to head to the emergency room or an urgent care clinic can make all the difference—both in terms of your health and your wallet. While both facilities provide immediate medical attention, they serve very different purposes and handle varying levels of injuries and illness.
If you have a cold, respiratory infection, bladder infection, or other health issue that can be treated without hospital care, then you need urgent care.
When To Go To the Emergency Room (ER)
Emergency rooms are typically part of hospitals, and generally are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Ambulances with emergency responders will take patients to emergency rooms. You can also drive yourself, although in an emergency its best to ask a family member, friend or colleague to drive you. Unfortunately, ERs are often understaffed with many people waiting to be seen, leading to long wait times.
Head to the ER if you are experiencing any severe condition, such as:
- A fall resulting in pain or head injury
- Difficulty breathing
- Acute chest pains
- An allergic reaction
- A major cut/blood loss
- Any stroke or heart attack symptoms
When To Go To the Urgent Care
No appointment is needed at urgent care. You can walk into urgent care offices, including the Center for Family Medicine any time during 8-5 business hours. Other clinics, like Avera and Sanford, offer urgent care after regular business hours and on weekends. You can often secure your spot online and input your symptoms before arrival. Urgent care is often called convenient care, as you may find it easier to see a doctor outside of your own work hours.
An urgent care treats non-life-threatening ailments such as:
- Minor cuts or burns
- Muscle sprains or broken bones
- Fever or vomiting
- Rashes or insect bites
- General colds, flus, allergies, etc.
Medical professionals at urgent care facilities can prescribe medications to treat a wide variety of ailments. The facilities have x-ray capability and other medical diagnostic equipment. They offer lab services and even televisits.
If doctors at an urgent care facility believe that a patient belongs in a hospital, they will make arrangements for transportation and services when necessary. They can also recommend patients to specialists.
Visit Center for Family Medicine during the week from 8-5. Schedule an appointment, call, or stop in to meet with one of our medical professionals.