What is the difference between urgent care and emergency

July 22, 2022

What is the difference between urgent care and emergency
 

There are a few key differences between urgent care and the emergency room (ER). Urgent care is for injuries or illnesses that are not life-threatening. The emergency room, on the other hand, is for serious issues that may be considered a medical emergency.

One of the biggest differences between urgent care and the ER is the wait time and accessibility. Because urgent care centers deal with less serious medical issues, you won’t have to wait as long to be seen by a doctor or nurse. In addition, urgent care centers typically have extended hours, so you can get treatment even if your regular doctor’s office is closed. Urgent care centers are also typically less expensive than the ER.

When to Choose Urgent Care

Urgent care centers are a great option for non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses. If you’re unsure whether your illness is appropriate for urgent care versus scheduling an appointment with your regular primary care doctor, it’s best to err on the side of caution and seek urgent medical attention. Urgent care centers are equipped to handle a variety of illnesses and injuries, so you’ll be in good hands no matter what’s wrong.

Here are just a few of the symptoms, illnesses, and conditions that can be effectively treated at an urgent care facility:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Acid reflux and GERD
  • Allergies
  • Asthma
  • Bone breaks
  • Colds / flu
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Ear infections
  • Fever
  • Minor burns or wounds
  • Pink eye or other eye infections
  • Pneumonia
  • Preventive care: physical exam, vaccines
  • Pulled muscles
  • Rashes and skin disorders
  • Sexually transmitted infections
  • Sinus infections
  • Sore throat
  • Strep throat
  • Tendonitis and other repetitive use injuries
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Vomiting/nausea
  • Workplace injuries

When to Choose the ER

If you or a loved one are experiencing signs or symptoms of a life-threatening condition, the ER is your best bet. This includes issues such as sudden or severe:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Bleeding that won’t stop
  • Seizures
  • Concussions or head injuries
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Paralysis
  • A sudden, severe headache

Still Unsure?

If you’re not sure whether to go to the emergency room or an urgent care facility, consider the following: ERs are for life-threatening situations that require immediate medical attention, such as a heart attack or stroke. If you think you or someone else is having a medical emergency, call 911 right away. On the other hand, urgent care facilities can handle many less serious conditions, such as the flu, ear infections, and sprains. Urgent care is usually less expensive than the ER and will be able to see you much more quickly.

Urgent Care in Caledonia, NY

Are you having a hard time deciding whether to go to the ER or an urgent care center? We can help! Call us at Cornerstone Urgent Care Center in Rochester, New York, and we’d be happy to guide you to the most appropriate care facility. We serve patients from Rochester and the surrounding areas, including Caledonia. Call Cornerstone Urgent Care Center at (585) 207-0088, or simply visit us during our extended business hours: Monday – Friday, 8 am – 8 pm and Saturday – Sunday, 9 am – 7 pm.

Urgent care clinics provide faster and more affordable health care services than emergency rooms. Although it is preferable to choose an urgent care clinic over an emergency room, if not for the cost difference alone, it may not always be an option. Only emergency rooms can treat people with life-threatening health complications.

While we can treat many types of health conditions here at California Urgent Care Center, you should receive treatment for life-threatening health conditions in an emergency room. Below, we discuss common health conditions that may warrant emergency or urgent care treatment.

Common Emergency Health Conditions

If you have the following symptoms, consider visiting an emergency room:

  • Chest pains or difficulty breathing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chest pains, breathing problems, and weakness are common heart attack symptoms.
  • Slurred speech or weakness on one side. Slurred speech can be a sign of a serious brain complication, such as a stroke. Additionally, weakness or numbness on one side of the body can also be a common stroke symptom.
  • Serious burn injuries. Third-degree burns are more likely to become infected or lead to other serious complications. Second-degree and first-degree burns that cover a wide or vulnerable area of the body can also become very dangerous. Treat serious burn injuries in an emergency room.
  • Severe viral and bacterial infections. Certain viral and bacterial infections can turn deadly without emergency treatment.
  • Major changes in mental state. Urgent care clinics cannot treat severe psychiatric symptoms.

This is not an exhaustive list of health conditions that should necessitate emergency care. Contact a medical professional right away if you are experiencing a health emergency.

When to Go to Urgent Care

Urgent care centers can treat numerous health conditions. We have more information on the types of conditions we treat on our site. Consider coming to see us for health conditions that include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Ingrown nails
  • Eye and ear infections
  • Eye irritation
  • Urinary tract infections
  • STD symptoms
  • Abscesses
  • Asthma
  • Some accidents and falls
  • Sprains and broken bones
  • Back pain

It can be a costly mistake to visit the emergency room for health conditions that an urgent care clinic can treat. Not only are the wait times much longer in emergency rooms, but the financial costs are also generally more significant. In fact, a trip in an ambulance can cost over $1,200 in many places across the country.

We Offer Urgent Care in Lodi, Stockton, and Manteca

Want to schedule an urgent care appointment? California Urgent Care Center takes patients from all walks of life. We have more information on the types of insurance we accept at our locations. However, you do not need to have insurance to be treated by our staff. We also offer telemedicine appointments. You can reach us by dialing (209) 224-8517 or by using the contact form on our site.

Is urgent the same as emergency?

An Emergency Department treats life- or limb-threatening health conditions in people of all ages. It is the best option when you require immediate medical attention. Urgent Care is the middle ground between your primary care provider and the Emergency Department.

What is considered an urgent emergency?

Severe abdominal pain. Severe chest pain or difficulty breathing. Heart attack symptoms, such as chest pain that lasts longer than two minutes. Stroke symptoms, such as vision loss, sudden numbness, weakness, slurred speech, or confusion.

What are the most common urgent care conditions?

Conditions Treated at Urgent Care Centers.
Sore throat..
Colds and flu..
Abdominal pain..
Allergic reactions..
Ear and eye infections..
Sprains and strains..
Fractures and dislocations..
Cuts, wounds, lacerations, and burns..