Q: What are the differences between an urgent care facility and an emergency room?
A: The biggest difference between the two is the level of care and treatment each facility provides. Most urgent care facilities are staffed with board-certified family medicine physicians who specialize in treating minor conditions and non-emergencies, while emergency rooms are staffed with board-certified emergency medicine physicians who specialize in treating life-threatening emergencies and major illnesses. When you suffer a life- or limb-threatening medical condition, a severe illness, or a serious injury, the emergency room is the best option for immediate care. Emergency rooms also have advanced imaging equipment and diagnostic resources.
The wait times in the urgent care facility are usually shorter than in the emergency room, where life-threatening conditions are treated first and less serious situations such as colds, sprains, and minor cuts are treated as the ER providers’ time allows.
Treatment costs also differ. Visiting an urgent care facility is usually less expensive than visiting the emergency room.
Q: Are there any similarities between the two types of care centers?
A: The main similarities are that neither requires an appointment, and both treat patients of all ages. Licensed medical providers, including physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, are often present at both facilities, supported by clinical staff, including RNs, medical assistants, radiology technicians, and/or EMTs. Both have on-site plain X-ray imaging and laboratory services. In addition, most patients at both types of centers are either unable to see their primary doctor or have no medical provider.
Q: What are some symptoms that always point to the emergency room?
A: People who believe their lives are in jeopardy should always go to the ER immediately. Always call 911 or go to the emergency room for symptoms that arise suddenly, such as chest pain, which can mean a heart attack, or the sudden onset of slurred speech and/or numbness in the arms or legs, which can indicate a stroke. Other symptoms that indicate an ER visit include coughing up or vomiting blood, shortness of breath, and possible poisoning.
Q: When should I go to the urgent care?
A: Patients should visit an urgent care facility if they experience minor illnesses or injuries such as a sprain or fracture, minor wounds, or lacerations requiring suturing or stitches. Urgent care facilities can efficiently handle conditions such as colds, bronchitis, flu, sore throats, headaches, fevers, urinary tract infections, abdominal pain, STD screenings, back pain, mild asthma flare-ups, various types of rashes, minor burns, and allergic reactions. Most urgent care centers can also provide school physicals, vaccinations, and sports exams.
Q: What should I do if I’m unsure of which one to go to?
A: If possible, seek guidance from your primary care doctor. Otherwise, most insurance cards have a nurse hotline number on the back, and urgent care centers always have a medical professional on site who can discuss symptoms and give appropriate direction.
