Seeking Urgent Care vs. Emergency Care Services

Urgent care facilities and emergency rooms treat a lot of the same illnesses and injuries. However, health issues that are not life-threatening are better handled by an urgent care facility to give way to patients who need to be sent to an emergency room. It is important to know when to go to an urgent care facility like Live Urgent Care and when a medical issue requires emergency services so that you can save time and money. 

When to Seek Emergency Room Care

If you have a health problem that you cannot wait to see a doctor, you should head to a local emergency room. By going to the ER, you will get treatment for severe and life-threatening health issues. ERs are staffed for 24/7 care. They are usually part of hospitals equipped to accommodate walk-in patients and those who arrive by ambulance. Some of these facilities are owned and operated by independent corporations. But, you can be sure the medical professionals on staff have completed the same training as those in hospitals. Indeed, most urgent care providers are well-trained in specialties such as family medicine and emergency medicine. 

It is best to visit an ER if you have a life-threatening condition. An ER has doctors, nurses, surgeons, extensive medical equipment, and specialists available to diagnose and treat your condition. But, if your condition does not put your life in immediate danger, you may have to wait in line to get the care you want. The triage system makes sure that the majority of patients with serious illnesses or injuries are prioritized. And even if you are accommodated in an ER, you still have to spend time waiting for tests and visiting a specialist if needed. You should visit an emergency room if you show signs of stroke and experience severe abdominal pain, severe allergic reaction, signs of heart attack, spinal injuries, major burns, and other life-threatening conditions. 

Visiting an Urgent Care Facility 

Urgent care facilities usually operate for longer hours than primary care offices. They are staffed with medical professionals who are ready to receive walk-in patients with non-life-threatening issues. But, some urgent care centers also provide primary care services.  In addition, urgent care centers are equipped with medical equipment necessary for diagnosing less serious injuries and illnesses. Wait times are much shorter than ER wait times. Visiting these facilities is usually more affordable and more convenient. You don’t need to shoulder the high cost of using a hospital if you have a more manageable health issue. You will want to visit one if you have issues such as mild burns, nausea, back pain, allergies, sore throat, earaches, cuts, allergies, and sprain. 

Should you visit an urgent care facility, the staff will decide if you should seek a higher level of care and refer you to an ER. If you are not sure what’s causing your symptoms, it’s best to visit an ER. For instance, if you experience chest pain, this could be due to heartburn or a heart attack. To ensure you are safe, seek emergency medical services.