Emergency Room v. Urgent Care Center

It can be difficult to know when to visit an emergency room versus an urgent care facility. We have the answers.

When you are suffering from an unexpected illness or injury, you’re often faced with this question:

Should I go directly to the hospital emergency room or an urgent care center?

Research has shown that more than 10 percent of all emergency room visits could have been better addressed in either an urgent care facility or doctor’s office. Choosing the appropriate place of care ensures prompt medical attention and lower costs. Here are some tips:

You should visit the emergency room when you have serious injuries or illnesses that could be life-threatening. Such conditions include chest pain, shortness of breath, heavy bleeding, major bone breaks, severe abdominal pain following an injury, confusion or loss of consciousness, poisoning or suspected poisoning, serious burns or infections, inability to swallow, seizures, paralysis or sudden change in vision.

For other less serious conditions, your better option may be an urgent care center. Such conditions may include ear infections, sprains, urinary tract infections, vomiting, high fever, strains, minor burns and minor broken bones.

Both emergency rooms and urgent care facilities often require a copayment and/or coinsurance, but these are much higher in the emergency room. Walk-in patients are welcome in both places, though waiting periods in emergency rooms may be longer for less serious conditions.