Do You Know the Difference Between Urgent Care and Emergency Room?
Do You Know the Difference Between Urgent Care and Emergency Room?
Do you know what’s the difference between an urgent care and an emergency room? When should you visit the urgent care and when should you rush to the emergency room? Do you think it’s easy to tell the difference between urgent care vs emergency room? If yes, this article will help you learn more about these two medical facilities and how to choose where to seek medical treatment based on your conditions.
What is Urgent Care
With a focus on prompt service, urgent care centers offer same-day treatments for minor injuries and illnesses such as cuts, sprains, colds or respiratory infections. They also provide medical treatment for non-life threatening injuries like broken bones, burns or dislocated joints. But since they aren’t hospitals (and they don’t work with insurance companies), their services come at a much lower cost than those of an emergency room.
Benefits of Visiting a Doctor’s Office versus Hospital
Many people tend to choose an emergency room when they have a medical problem, but there are also advantages to visiting your doctor’s office or urgent care. Here’s a quick breakdown of when you should seek out urgent care versus when you should go to an emergency room.
When Should You Visit an Urgent Care Center
Visiting an urgent care center is usually cheaper than visiting an emergency room, but urgent care isn’t meant for all types of emergencies. Visiting one may be necessary if you have to wait several hours or more in an emergency room (ER) without being seen by a doctor. It may also be your best option if you think you may need stitches, X-rays or lab tests done.
What is an Emergency Room
When you’re dealing with an urgent medical condition, you want to get treated as quickly as possible. Going to an emergency room is one of your best options—that is, unless it isn’t really an emergency. To save money on health care, know when it’s time to visit urgent care instead of heading straight for your local ER.
Why Choose an ER over Urgent Care
An emergency room visit can be costly, especially if you have to take time off work or travel long distances to reach one. If you are having a true medical emergency, it’s best to go straight to an ER. Otherwise, consider visiting an urgent care clinic for treatment of non-life threatening illnesses or injuries. While both serve patients with urgent health needs that need immediate attention, there are differences between them that may influence where you seek care. Learn about these differences before heading to either facility for help.