Emergency Department vs. Urgent Care – How to Decide?

By Lois Thomson

You're sick or injured or have a medical problem, but is it serious enough to go to the emergency department, or will an urgent care center be able to handle your problem? Many people face this dilemma because timing can often be critical. Here are some guidelines that may be helpful.

Consider the ED for such emergencies as:

• Severe pain or bleeding anywhere on the body

• Trouble breathing

• Passing out, dizziness, or fainting

• Not being able to speak, see, walk, or move

• Broken bones

• Deep wounds

• Serious burns

• Severe allergic reaction with trouble breathing, swelling, hives

• High fever

• Drug or alcohol overdose

On the other hand, an urgent care center should be able to handle:

• Common illnesses, such as colds, flu, earaches, sore throats, migraines, low-grade fevers, and rashes

• Lesser injuries, such as sprains, back pain, minor cuts and burns, minor broken bones, or minor eye injuries

However, extreme emergencies, such as choking, electric shock, neck or spine injuries, or severe chest pain, may require a call to 911.