Urgent care vs. the emergency room (2024)

When to go to urgent care

Urgent care centers treat a wide variety of illnesses and injuries. They are good options when you need same-day care outside of normal office hours or when your doctor is not available.

Common reasons to visit an urgent care center include:

• Sprains or strains of your arms or legs
• Broken bones where you don’t see an obviousdeformity
• Headaches that are not typical for you
• Sore throat, cough, flu or low-grade fevers
• Minor burns
• Cuts that may need a few stitches
• Urinary tract infections
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Most low back pain

When to go to an emergency room

If an illness or injury is severe or if you need care immediately, the emergency room is the right choice. Emergency rooms are equipped and staffed to handle complex and critical care needs.

Common reasons to visit an emergency room include:

• Traumatic injuries from a vehicle accident or fall
• Complex fracture with a bone protruding through theskin
• Sudden or severe headaches
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Significant head injury
• Suspected heart attack or stroke
• Poisonings; drug or alcohol issues
• Severe abdominal pain
• Seizures

Make a virtual urgent care reservation

Feel better with a virtual urgent care visit from wherever you are.

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Save a spot at an emergency room

If you need emergency care, you can save a spot at an ER near you.

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