You’re cutting veggies in the kitchen and accidentally slice your finger. It’s bleeding badly, and the cut looks deep. What do you do? Should you head to the local emergency room or the nearest urgent care clinic?
Knowing where to go for help when dealing with an injury or illness is important. So, what’s the difference between an emergency room and an urgent care clinic?
If you have a life-threatening situation, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
What’s the difference between urgent care and emergency room?
If you need immediate medical attention, your first thought may be to go to the ER. But when it’s not life-threatening, urgent care can offer a more convenient, affordable way to get help. Here are some quick comparisons to consider:
- 90% of urgent care patients wait less than 30 minutes to see a provider. The wait is 60 minutes or more at most ERs.
- An average urgent care visit costs under $200. An ER visit can easily cost over $1,000.
- You can find urgent care clinics in convenient, nearby locations. Hospital ERs are typically a longer drive away.
- Urgent care can send records to your primary care physician and connect you with specialists if needed.
- Urgent care clinics take most major insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and worker’s compensation.
Learn More: Urgent Care vs Emergency Room Costs: What You Need to Know