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Should I Go To Urgent Care or the ER? Here’s How to Decide
Urgent cares are popping up everywhere, taking some of the stress off of the emergency rooms – but choosing which one to go to isn't always easy. The ER can handle just about anything, while an urgent care is for minor to moderate injuries and illnesses.
If you're not sure where to go, the Calvary Urgent Care team in Humble, Texas, is here to help. Dr. Joseph Goin offers a range of treatments, including X-rays, wound care, and minor office procedures.
What can the urgent care handle?
An urgent care is a stand-alone facility that offers care and treatments for minor to moderate illnesses and injuries. It's a great option when you can't get into the doctor's office but don't need all the resources of the ER.
Most urgent cares are open all day, offering shorter wait times and diagnostic services. Some of the instances when you should consider urgent care include:
- Minor sprains and strains
- Cold or flu symptoms
- Earaches
- Sore throat
- Cuts or scrapes
- Simple fractures
- Minor burns
- Minor infections
- Urinary tract infections
At Calgary Urgent Care, we address any concerns about your health that you usually take to your doctor. An urgent care center typically offers diagnostic testing, laboratory services, vaccinations, and personalized treatment options.
When to go to the ER
The emergency room is better equipped to handle everything from minor injuries to severe or life-threatening emergencies. If you think you or your loved one is in danger or has a severe illness, the ER is a better option.
The ER is typically located in a hospital, meaning it has more resources to deal with significant health issues. You should consider going to the ER if you have:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble breathing
- Signs of a stroke
- Severe fractures
- Been in a car accident
- Have trouble swallowing
- Allergic reactions
- Seizures
- Head injuries
If you have an issue that could lead to permanent health problems or death without treatment, it's essential to go right to the emergency room. Even severe illnesses with fever or nausea and vomiting that don't let up are reasons to head to the closest ER.
The significant differences between the two
If you're ever in doubt, going to the ER is the best option to save you time and prevent potential complications. The significant difference between the ER and an urgent care is that the ER has more equipment, medications, and staff to address serious health problems.
With a broader range of specialists, the ER can also handle life-threatening emergencies. The ER costs more than urgent care, and the wait times are usually much longer.
An urgent care center usually offers faster care and shorter wait times, and is often more affordable than the ER. Calgary Urgent Care can handle less severe illnesses and injuries and provide various other primary care treatments like sports physicals, pregnancy tests, and STD testing.
Visit our urgent care facility, conveniently located in Humble, Texas, or use our booking feature to request an appointment.