We’ve all been there — it’s a Friday night, and you or a loved one spikes a fever heading into the weekend. With your doctor’s office closed, you start to wonder where to seek care if needed outside of normal business hours. The two options are the emergency room, or urgent care. But what’s the difference between emergency and urgent care? While they have some overlap, there are distinct differences between the two. We’ll share when to utilize either option so that you aren’t left scrambling to find medical care for unexpected or inconvenient illness or injuries.
When to Seek Urgent Care
Urgent care is for non-life threatening medical care. Think minor cuts that need stitches, but aren’t bleeding profusely, or sprained ankles and sore throats or nasty, lingering coughs. Xpress Wellness Urgent Care clinics can run diagnostics, take x-rays, and provide treatment for a variety of ailments within the clinic making us perfect for conditions that can’t wait until Monday, and don’t need the full emergency room (ER) treatment.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Emergency care is for the “big” stuff — chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, profuse bleeding, or any situation that would make you consider calling an ambulance. The ER is specially equipped to handle life-threatening emergencies, so serious situations warrant a trip in. And, if you or a loved one has an underlying medical condition that could complicate their care, it’s probably wise to seek emergency medical attention.