ER vs Urgent Care

When you need medical care now, do you know where to turn? Most people go straight for the emergency room (ER). But, you may have another option—an urgent care clinic—that could be more suited to treat your illness or injury. So, what’s the difference between the emergency room and an urgent care clinic?

What is an urgent care clinic? Urgent care clinics, also known as “minor emergency” or “walk-in” clinics, deal with all kinds of health problems and are often open on the evenings and weekends. No appointment is necessary and they are often operated by hospitals. Wait time can be two to three times shorter than the emergency room, where life threatening situations are treated first. Care at an urgent care center is often covered by insurance at a higher level than the ER, too (for a non-emergency situation)—so it may be faster, more convenient and less expensive!

ER or urgent care—which one to visit? There are a few clear rules about what justifies a visit to the emergency room. Most doctors would agree you should go to the ER or call 9-1-1 if you are experiencing:

• Chest pains or other symptoms of a heart attack
• Trouble breathing
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Broken bones
• Trauma or injury to the head

For these illnesses or injuries, consider an urgent care clinic instead of the ER:

• Sprains
• Minor burns
• Coughs, colds, fever
• Ear infections
• Rashes

The bottom line is: if you are in need of medical attention, get it! If you go to an urgent care clinic and that doctor determines you are in need of emergency care, you can be transferred to the nearest emergency room for continued treatment. Check your benefits—you want to be sure you get the care you need, at a quality facility, for a reasonable amount of money.

Source: www.webmd.com