Urgent Care vs. Visiting the ER

Indide_News-UrgentCareVS_ER

 

In a time of need, our decision-making processes are often compromised. This is not because we’re not capable, but rather, we’re perhaps feeling the pressures of the moment, or we’re just not as well educated on the finding an answer for the task at hand as we’d typically like to be.

That sentiment rings loud when it comes to your health. We hope the moments we get sick or injured are minimal, but when the occasion does arise, do we know where to turn?

That is the impetus behind the this conversation:

What is the difference between urgent care, and the emergency room? Both harken the same sort of spirit, but, at their core, both are quite different and play a different role within your medical care options.

For one, an emergency room is often very crowded. That’s probably because it’s the first thing someone thinks of when they’re in a bind and faced with an injury or illness that springs out of nowhere. Over the years we’ve been unconsciously educated to “get to the hospital” as quick as we can, or to “dial 9-1-1.”

This is okay, but it’s not the only choice. The ER mentality is ingrained, we get it, but that needs to change. We now have options.

The truth is, not everyone that walks into the emergency room needs to be there. That’s where urgent care comes into play.

Urgent care is available to anyone who isn’t suffering from a critical and/or life-threatening ailment such as seizures, serious burns, deep/large wounds, symptoms of stroke/heart attack, etc.

 

A full service urgent care facility can competently handle the following:

  • Colds, flus, fever, viral illnesses
  • Accidents and falls
  • Sprains and strains
  • Moderate back problems
  • Breathing difficulties (mild to moderate asthma)
  • Bleeding/cuts – (mild to moderate, perhaps requiring stitches)
  • Diagnostic services, including X-rays and laboratory tests
  • Eye irritation and redness
  • Vomiting, diarrhea or dehydration
  • Severe sore throat or cough
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Skin rashes and infections
  • Urinary tract infections
  • As well as other non-life threatening injuries and illnesses

 

If people have this knowledge, the ER would actually have a better opportunity to treat those that are in critical need of attention. Not to mention, visiting and urgent care facility is more than likely going to save you a substantial amount of time and money.

Urgent care facilities also fill the timely need when your standard, primary care physician is either unavailable or beyond the scope of primary care. You need no appointment when it comes to checking in at an urgent care office, which is convenient and you’re typically in and out quickly.

For emergencies that require expeditious or advanced treatment (such as surgery), visit the ER. For anything non-life threatening, consider your local urgent care facility.