Emergency Room (ER) or Urgent Care?

SHOULD I GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM (ER) OR TO URGENT CARE CENTER?

When to go to ER
The ER is open around the clock to treat serious, life-and-death problems.  Get to the ER right away if you or a family member has sudden symptoms that need emergency care, including:

• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing
• Vomiting
• Loss of consciousness
• Choking
• Poisoning
• Sudden slurred speech
• Seizures
• Severe burns
• Head or back injuries
• Uncontrolled bleeding

When URGENT CARE CENTER is a better choice
Urgent Care Centers offer many of the same services as the ER, such as x-ray and blood testing.  But they don’t treat life threatening conditions.  If you need treatment right away for a less serious problem, an Urgent Care Center is your best bet.  Check the hours of the Urgent Care Center nearest you to get help for:

• Sinus or ear infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Minor cuts and burns
• Sprains or broken bones
• Fever and sore throat

For problems that are urgent but not life threatening, call your primary care physician.  The physician will decide what treatment s required and will give you instructions.