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When faced with a pressing health issue, quick and effective care is paramount. But where should you go?
Aside from obvious emergencies like suspected heart attacks, it’s not always clear whether to rush to the ER or visit an urgent care center.
Here’s a guide to help you decide when to seek emergency medical attention versus when urgent care or even a virtual appointment will suffice.
When to go to the ER
Emergency rooms are known for long waits and high costs. However, it’s crucial to go to the ER when necessary, regardless of these drawbacks.
The recommendation is to head to the ER or dial 911 if you have potentially life-threatening symptoms.
Experts advise visiting an emergency department if you or someone nearby experiences any of the following:
- Heart attack symptoms: chest pain, arm or jaw pain, shortness of breath
- Stroke symptoms: weakness on one side, slurred speech, sudden difficulty speaking or seeing, drooping on one side
- Significant trauma or injury, particularly to the head or neck
- Severe lower abdominal pain
- Severe allergic reaction
- Serious burns
- Heavy bleeding
- Sepsis symptoms: sudden confusion, high fever unresponsive to medication
- Stopped breathing
If something needs immediate treatment, within minutes, an emergency room is the right choice, according to a professor of emergency medicine and chair at Yale School of Medicine.
ERs possess advanced imaging technology, such as CAT scans, that urgent care facilities typically lack, notes a clinical assistant professor and medical director at NYU Langone Health.
When to go to urgent care
Urgent care centers can handle health issues requiring prompt attention, but that are not life-threatening emergencies. Appropriate symptoms for urgent care include:
- Colds, flus, and coughs
- Scrapes or cuts, especially if a tetanus shot is needed
- Ear pain
- Minor injuries
- Minor headaches
- Diarrhea
- Rash
While you might usually see your primary care doctor for these problems, same-day appointments aren’t always available, according to Leybov.
Urgent care staff are well-equipped to refer patients to the ER if they require more extensive treatment, which commonly occurs with chest pain, potential appendicitis, or severe injuries.
The services available can vary significantly between urgent care centers. Some may have X-ray machines, while others don’t. Similarly, blood test capabilities and the ability to administer stitches can differ.
What about telemedicine?
Depending on your symptoms, a virtual urgent care visit might be suitable. A key advantage is the ability to receive care from any location, making it easier when you’re unwell and preventing potential exposure to others, explains Leybov.
Telehealth appointments are appropriate for numerous symptoms and conditions, including:
- Upper-respiratory infections like colds, flu, and COVID-19
- Asthma
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Minor headaches
- Rashes
- Diarrhea
Virtual urgent care can provide quick answers and guidance on treatment options, such as cough medicine, antibiotic prescriptions, and determining how long to stay home, all without leaving your home.
What if you’re not sure?
It’s common for patients to feel “guilty” about going to the ER only to receive a diagnosis of a mild condition, but you shouldn’t, says Venkatesh. Timely ER visits can be life-saving for certain symptoms. For instance, clot-busting medications for stroke need to be administered within hours of symptom onset.
Don’t delay seeking help because you’re unsure if chest pain is “that bad.” Going to urgent care first could waste valuable time if you need an ER referral anyway.
Emergency symptoms can be subtle. Instead of intense chest pain, mild pressure could still indicate a heart attack. The time it takes to reach the ER with a potential heart attack or stroke can determine eligibility for fast-acting, life-saving treatments.
If possible, call your primary care office or a telehealth line for advice on where to go.
It’s crucial to go to the ER regardless of cost concerns. The Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act (EMTALA) ensures access to emergency care for everyone, regardless of their ability to pay.
It’s disheartening when someone experiencing a stroke or heart attack delays seeking care due to fear. Many anxieties prevent people from getting the necessary care when they need it most.