When you are having a medical problem, sometimes it can be hard to know where to go for help. An Urgent Care has the appeal of typically being a quicker visit, and many areas seem to have as many Urgent Cares per square mile as New England has Dunkin’ Donuts. But there is nothing worse than spending your time and money at an Urgent Care, only to find out that the care you need can only be obtained in an Emergency Room (ER).
At the same time, spending many hours in an ER waiting room for a problem that could have been handled by an Urgent Care is equally frustrating. So how do you know when to go to an Urgent Care, and when to go to an ER? While there are no hard and fast rules, here are some guidelines that can help you make that decision.
What to Expect at an Urgent Care Facility
Urgent Care facilities are designed to treat illnesses or injuries that do not appear life-threatening, but can’t wait a day or two to be seen by a primary care doctor. Many Urgent Cares offer basic testing- Covid swabs, strep tests, urine tests, and x-rays. Some can even check blood work and give IV fluids if needed, though this can vary depending on the Urgent Care.
There are some Urgent Cares that even allow you to “check-in” online, reserving a time to be seen so you can wait at home instead of in a waiting room.
When to go to Urgent Care
Some examples of conditions that are appropriate for Urgent Care include:
- Minor injuries: a sprain, strain, minor cut, or burn
- Common illnesses: sore throat, pink eye, ear pain, sinus infection, urinary tract infection, flu-like illness
- Rashes: Poison ivy, hives, minor allergic reactions
- Seasonal allergies: runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Work notes: if you have been ill/injured and your work requires a doctor’s note
What to Expect at an Emergency Room
Emergency Departments specialize in treating life-threatening conditions. They are equipped to handle serious medical and traumatic conditions 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Because many emergency conditions can require a more extensive workup, there can be long waits to be seen. But if you have a significant life or limb-threatening condition, the ER is where you need to be.
When to go to the Emergency Room
Some of the conditions that should be seen in an ER include:
- Chest pain or shortness of breath: chest pain, pressure, tightness or heaviness; any difficulty breathing/severe allergic reaction
- Head injuries: any significant head injury with loss of consciousness or confusion, or anyone with a head injury who is on a blood thinner; elderly patients with even minor appearing head injuries should also go to the ER
- Abdominal pain: new or severe abdominal pain
- Severe injuries: deep wounds, broken bones, major burns
- Seizure or loss of consciousness
- Confusion or stroke symptoms: any weakness/numbness/tingling or severe dizziness could be a sign of a stroke
- Severe mental health crisis: anyone with thoughts of hurting themselves or others, or other severe crisis
Special considerations:
- Pediatrics: If you are able, call your child’s pediatrician to help you to make the decision about where to go. Infants under the age of 3 months in particular are a special group and typically should be seen either by their pediatrician or in an ER.
- Elderly patients: Elderly patients are more likely to have a significant medical issue and should consider going to an ER instead of an Urgent Care for all but very minor complaints.
- Pregnant patients: Speak with your OBGyn to determine where you should be seen. They will help guide you, especially if there is any concern about the pregnancy itself.
- Recent surgeries: If you had a recent surgery and are concerned about a complication, you should call your surgeon. Typically they will direct you to their office or to the ER at the hospital where your procedure was performed.
- MRIs: It can be very difficult to obtain an MRI in an ER for all but the most serious of conditions. If you are hoping to get an MRI, please call your primary care provider to discuss next steps.
When to call 9-1-1
In general, your medical concern can guide where you should go. If you think ahead to the diagnosis that you are worried about- appendicitis or heart attack for example, versus something like an ankle sprain or rash- try to anticipate if it might be a serious issue that could require hospitalization or surgery.
If this is the case, an ER is the better choice. Call your primary care provider for help if you are unsure, or 9-1-1 for potentially life threatening emergencies.
Bottom Line
Remember, Urgent Cares and Emergency Rooms are there to help you when you need it most. Being informed about when to go where can make a crucial difference in your or your loved one's health and well-being.
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