Urgent Care, Emergency Room, Or Doctor's Office?

Health & Medical Blog

When you are sick or injured, you may have a lot of questions about where to go. Which doctor is the right one to see? There is a lot that you are dealing with, and you need to determine what your symptoms might be telling you.

So which kind of care do you need? These are some of your options.

When to Go to the Urgent Care Center

In some cases, you should consider going to the urgent care center. These are situations in which you cannot wait for a regular doctor's office visit. The issues may be serious but not life-threatening.

These situations require immediate care. For example, urgent care doctors deal with cuts, burns, sprains, strains, and some broken bones. Urgent care professionals help you with ear and eye injuries, skin rashes, and infections. For instance, you might have a urinary tract infection or the flu.

When to Go to the Emergency Room

In some situations, it is not appropriate to go to urgent care. Instead, you should go to the emergency room. These are places, often attached to hospitals, that are open around the clock. You should go to the ER if you are facing a life-threatening health issue or injury.

For example, you should go to the ER if you have a broken bone, serious burn, or are bleeding a lot. The emergency room can also help you if you are struggling to breathe, are having seizures, or have experienced the signs of a stroke or heart attack.

In many of these situations, it is most appropriate to call 911. The ambulance can bring you to the emergency room quickly, and it could save your life.

When to Go to the Doctor's Office

Finally, there are times when the best thing to do is wait for your doctor's office to have an available appointment. Your doctor may be the best individual suited to help you with some issues.

For example, you may have a minor burn or blister, or perhaps you have symptoms of a minor cold or flu. You could have a skin rash or infection that does not feel immediately painful. Other examples include allergies, preventative care, vaccinations, medication management, and injury follow-ups.

As you can see, urgent care fulfills an important need. It is important that you see a doctor who can help you right away if you are suffering from serious injuries.

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20 May 2021