Guidelines

Urgent Care or ER?

When you or a loved one is hurting, it can be stressful to decide where to go: urgent care or emergency.

Knowing which facility to use is the first step toward shorter waits and prompt medical attention. Following are a few examples of medical needs and the proper facility to visit for each.*

Emergency Room Examples

• Breathing/palpitation problems or asthma attacks
• Major accident trauma
• Broken bones, especially if protruding
• Potential heart attack
• Potential organ rupture
• Life-threatening allergic reactions
• Poisoning
• Lacerations – major
• Complications related to oncology

Urgent Care Examples

• Common cold symptoms
• Flu symptoms or high fever
• Earaches
• Bronchitis or upper respiratory infections
• Minor allergic reactions (poison ivy, bug bites)
• Lacerations – minor
• Ankle or wrist sprains
• Sore throat
• Gastrointestinal issues or urinary infections

*Note: Out-of-pocket expenses may be lower in Urgent Care for non-emergency needs. Check
with your insurance provider for details of your coverage.