Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room: When to Go Where

Emergency Services Houston

Urgent care and emergency rooms both provide medical care for non-life-threatening conditions, but there are some key differences between the two. Urgent care is typically less expensive and has shorter wait times than the ER, but it may not be able to treat all conditions. The ER is the best place to go for life-threatening conditions or injuries that require immediate medical attention.

When to go to urgent care:

  • Minor cuts and scrapes
  • Sprains and strains
  • Colds and flu
  • Ear infections
  • Sinus infections
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Allergies
  • Rashes
  • Fever
  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Asthma attacks
  • Minor burns

When to go to the ER:

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Severe bleeding
  • Broken bones
  • Head injuries
  • Seizures
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Poisoning
  • Allergic reactions
  • Severe burns
  • Any other condition that requires immediate medical attention

Conclusion:

If you are unsure whether to go to urgent care or the ER, it is always best to err on the side of caution and go to the ER. However, if you have a minor condition that is not life-threatening, urgent care may be a better option.

Share:

More Posts

About High Blood Pressure

For Everyone JANUARY 28, 2025 About High Blood Pressure KEY POINTS High blood pressure (hypertension) is consistently at or above 130/80 mm Hg. High blood

Childhood asthma and exercise

Daniel Hughes ✉ Author information Article notes Copyright and License information PMCID: PMC4235445  PMID: 25414580 Children with asthma, similar to most children, enjoy being physically active,