If you are experiencing life-threatening conditions, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
When life takes an unexpected turn, you want to have a plan in place. If you have a severe headache, an allergic reaction to a new food, or accidentally cut yourself with a knife in the kitchen, will you know where to seek medical help?
When you get sick, your top priority is to feel better as fast as possible. That’s why it’s important to understand the difference between urgent care and emergency care. In this blog, we will break down the difference between the two so you can save time, money, and potentially lives with the right choice.
What is Urgent Care?
Urgent care is a type of medical care that provides more immediate care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, such as:
- Sprained or strained muscles
- Minor fractures
- Abrasions
- Colds, flu, fever, and viruses
- Earaches and ear infections
- Sports injuries
Benefits of Urgent Care
Urgent care clinics offer both appointment-based care and walk-in services, making them more immediate than visiting your primary care physician. They are also typically open later in the evenings and on the weekends when your primary care provider may not be available.
Some urgent care centers can share records with your primary doctor so you can continue your care with your normal provider, and most clinics accept insurance. Urgent care clinics typically have lower costs and shorter wait times compared to emergency care.
If you need a rapid flu test, an X-ray for a minor injury, or treatment for a condition that is urgent but not life-threatening, you should walk in or make an appointment at an urgent care clinic.
What is the Emergency Room?
You should visit the emergency room only if you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms. The emergency room can intervene to prevent serious harm or death. You should go to the emergency room if you experience the following:
- Signs of a heart attack or stroke
- Seizures
- Severe bleeding
- Severe burns
- Difficulty breathing
- Poisoning or overdose
Why Go to the Emergency Room
The emergency room is open 24/7 for life-saving care. If something feels serious or you or someone you know seems in immediate danger, don’t wait. Your fast action could save a life.
Tips for Making the Right Decision
Even when you know the difference between urgent care and emergency care, it can sometimes be challenging to know where to go. Here are a few tips that may help:
- If waiting for more than a few hours for care will put your life at risk, go to the emergency room.
- If it’s after hours for an urgent care clinic and your condition can’t wait, go to the emergency room.
- Save the locations and hours of nearby urgent care centers and hospitals before an emergency medical need occurs. Know which ones are in-network with your insurance, if possible.
Finding the Right Urgent Care in Texas
When it comes to urgent care in Texas, selecting a clinic that addresses your condition promptly is crucial. Integrity Urgent Care offers multiple locations across Texas, providing walk-in services for a wide range of non-life-threatening conditions, such as sprains, infections, and minor injuries. Find a location near you to walk in or schedule an appointment.
