July 22, 2022
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 inRochester, 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.
FAQs
Cuts, bites, broken bones, fever, flu symptoms and allergic reactions are often more quickly (and economically) treated at an urgent care center. More extreme medical conditions such as stroke, heart attacks and serious accidents call for a trip to the nearest emergency room.
What is the difference between going to the emergency room or urgent care? ›
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.
How does emergency care differ from urgently needed care? ›
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 the difference between urgent and emergency time? ›
Time Sensitivity: Urgency is time-sensitive and requires prompt action within a specific timeframe. An emergency demands immediate action without delay.
What are the cons of urgent care? ›
You don't get to choose your doctor. The doctors at urgent care clinics don't have a chance to develop a relationship with patients. They won't have your complete medical history. Despite being less expensive than an emergency room, you still may have a hefty copay for an urgent care visit.
Should I go to the ER or urgent care for blood in stool? ›
Seek immediate medical attention
Have someone drive you to an emergency room if rectal bleeding is: Continuous or heavy. Accompanied by severe abdominal pain or cramping.
What to say to get seen faster in an emergency room? ›
Be specific: Describe your symptoms in detail. Instead of saying “I feel sick,” explain the specific symptoms you are experiencing, such as nausea, dizziness, or chest pain. This will help the medical staff understand the urgency of your situation.
Is urgent care better than ER for chest pain? ›
If your chest discomfort is new or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, you should immediately go to the emergency department. If you have been treated for chest discomfort in the past but do not have some of the more significant symptoms listed, you might find that urgent care facilities can help.
What symptoms will get you admitted to the hospital? ›
7 Signs That You Need To Go to the Emergency Room
- Severe headaches or dizziness.
- Pain in the chest or upper abdomen.
- Lower abdominal pain.
- Shortness of breath.
- Uncontrolled bleeding.
- Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea.
- Severe allergic reactions.
At all times, even when the ER isn't crowded or busy, we prioritize patients according to how serious their conditions are. After checking in at the Registration Desk, the triage nurse will check your condition. People with a life-threatening illness or injury (heart attack, stroke, etc.)
Therefore, in medical editing, be careful of changing emergency to urgent because emergency means immediate attention is required and urgent indicates quick but not immediate action is required. There is no such thing as emergent surgery unless you mean surgery that is just beginning.
What are the three main types of emergency? ›
The Integrated Emergency Management Plan is designed to react to natural, technological and human-caused emergencies.
What is the difference between an emergency appointment and an urgent appointment? ›
An emergency appointment is reserved for life-threatening conditions that require immediate attention, while an urgent appointment is for non-life-threatening conditions that still require prompt care but can wait for a short period of time.
Why do so many people go to urgent care? ›
Decreased Wait Times
For this reason, many people choose to visit an urgent care center instead. Because of their approach to quick, convenient care and staffing, most urgent care and emergency centers are able to see patients far quicker than a standard doctor's office.
Why are urgent cares so slow? ›
Patient Volume: Urgent care clinics can see a large number of patients in a single day, and on busy days, the clinic may have more patients than it can handle. This can result in longer wait times. Complexity of Cases: The complexity of the cases being seen by the clinic can also impact wait time.
Should I go to urgent care if I feel weak? ›
You should also seek emergency care if you feel fatigue accompanied by an irregular heartbeat, a severe headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, or pain in the chest, back, or abdominal or pelvic regions.
Should I go to the ER for lower back pain? ›
In general, you should seek immediate medical care if you experience lower back pain that: Comes on suddenly and severely. Develops after a traumatic injury, such as a car accident. Is accompanied by other red-flag symptoms.
How does emergency care differ from urgently needed care quizlet? ›
Emergency care is for conditions that must be treated right away and are life threatening. Urgent care is less convenient for the patient to receive healthcare services.
