Urgent Care or ER?
When you’re faced with a sudden illness or injury, knowing whether to go to urgent care or the emergency room and how to determine the difference can save you time, money, and stress. Remember, whether you visit an urgent care or ER, using an in-network facility will also save you money. Here are a few tips to help you decide.
When to use it?
Urgent Care
- Sprains
- Broken bones
- Stitches
- High fevers
Emergency Room
- Chest pains
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizure
- Sudden numbness
- Uncontrolled bleeding
Signage
Urgent Care
Read 'Urgent Care' or 'Minute Clinic.'
Emergency Room
Often read 'Emergency clinic' or have 'ER' in the name and are staffed for emergency services, so you can expect to pay ER rates. Note: Urgent care clinics may charge ER rates after hours or require more extensive procedures (e.g., sonogram).
Location
Urgent Care
Found in standalone buildings or medical plazas.
Emergency Room
May be freestanding buildings, but are usually connected to a hospital.
ER standalone clinics are NOT recommended due to cost, and life-threatening issues often require transportation to a hospital, incurring more costs.
Hours of Operation
Urgent Care
Extended but limited hours (typically closing by 8 p.m.).
Emergency Room
Open 24/7—even if they are not connected to a hospital.
