When something suddenly feels wrong, deciding where to go is stressful. A useful rule of thumb: emergency rooms are for conditions that could be life-threatening or cause lasting harm, while urgent care handles problems that need attention today but are not dangerous.
Signs that call for 911 or the ER
- Chest pain or pressure, or trouble breathing
- Signs of a stroke: face drooping, arm weakness, trouble speaking
- Severe bleeding that will not stop
- Sudden severe headache, confusion, or loss of consciousness
- Serious injuries, such as a major head injury or a bone breaking through the skin
- Thoughts of harming yourself or someone else
If you are unsure whether something is an emergency, treat it as one and call 911.
Often appropriate for urgent care
- Minor cuts that may need stitches
- Sprains and suspected simple fractures
- Cold, flu, sore throat, or ear pain
- Urinary symptoms
- Mild rashes or minor burns
- Mild asthma flare-ups that respond to your usual treatment
When your own doctor is best
For ongoing conditions, medication refills, or non-urgent questions, your primary care doctor knows your history and is usually the best, and often the least expensive, option. Many offices keep same-day slots or offer a nurse line.
Think about cost and wait times
Emergency care typically costs more than urgent care, and visits for minor issues can mean long waits because the sickest patients are seen first. Urgent care centers vary in what they can treat, so call ahead if you are unsure whether they can handle your problem.
It is a good idea to find an urgent care center that takes your insurance before you need one, and to save its number in your phone.