Urgent care vs. emergency room: Where to go for care

Health issues can arise when you least expect them. You might develop a severe headache that won’t go away, your child wakes up with a fever, or you could be out for your morning jog and twist your ankle.

When these situations occur, many people ask themselves, “Do I go to urgent care or the emergency room?”

Where you get care depends on the type of care you need. Understanding the differences between urgent care and the emergency room can help you make your decision, potentially saving you time and money—and get you back to feeling better sooner.

Difference between urgent care and the emergency room

With several options available for unexpected healthcare visits, determining which type of care you need can often be difficult.

The main difference between urgent care and the emergency room lies in the type of care provided. Emergency rooms (ERs) are designed for life-threatening or critical situations and are able to provide treatment for all injuries and illnesses, no matter how severe. Urgent care clinics are only able to treat minor injuries and illnesses. In a true emergency, you should always call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Some of the key differences include:

• Severity of care: Emergency rooms are equipped to treat serious conditions you believe to be life-threatening. Urgent care clinics, such as Urgent Care+ walk-in clinics, can care for your family’s wellness and minor injuries or illnesses, such as sprains or the flu.
• Cost and wait times: Emergency room visits are often more expensive, even with insurance, and wait times can be longer. Urgent care clinics are often able to provide more convenient, efficient and affordable options with shorter wait times.
• Availability: Emergency rooms are here for you and your family available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Urgent care clinics are often available 7 days a week, but often with limited hours when compared to an ER.

When in doubt, consider the severity of your symptoms or injury. You can also use Baylor Scott & White’s online Symptom Checker, where you can answer a few simple questions and receive a recommendation about the care option best suited to your needs. 

When to go to the emergency room

It’s a tricky question with a simple answer: When do you think you are having an emergency?

Emergency rooms are equipped to handle severe injuries, illnesses and life-threatening emergencies. If you’re dealing with any of these symptoms or conditions, go to your nearest emergency room immediately or call 911 if you are unable to transport yourself safely.

Common reasons to visit the emergency room include:

• Chest pain
• Deep cuts or wounds
• Difficulty breathing
• Poisoning overdoses
• Suicidal behavior
• Severe abdominal pain, coughing or vomiting blood
• Severe burns
• Severe head injuries
• Sudden loss of balance, vision change, facial droop, arm or leg weakness

When to go to urgent care

For minor illnesses or unexpected injuries, urgent care can be a convenient, affordable option. Whether you’re unable to see your primary care doctor or need medical attention after hours, urgent care clinics are designed to bridge the gap.

Urgent care is often available seven days a week and welcomes people of all ages, starting from 6 months and older, with or without an appointment.

Consider urgent care for the following conditions:

• Abdominal pain
• Allergies
• Back pain
• Bronchitis
• Cold symptoms, such as sore throat
• COVID-19
• Cough
• Ear pain
• Fever
• Finger and hand injuries
• Flu
• Migraine
• Rashes
• Sinus infections
• Sports injuries
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Urgent Care+ offers care for your entire family—on almost every day of the year—for minor illnesses and injuries. Providers will listen to your concerns and symptoms and help find the right treatment for you.

When you or someone in your family isn’t feeling well, you want care quickly and sometimes from the comfort of your own home. From communicating with providers using face-to-face virtual visits or getting answers to your health questions by messaging your provider directly, the MyBSWHealth app offers several options for your care.

When to call 911

In some cases, you may not have the time to decide between urgent care or the emergency room. Calling 911 is always the safest option for emergencies when time is of the essence.

If you think you or a loved one may have had a heart attack or stroke, or suffered a life-threatening injury, call 911 immediately. There are several other critical situations when calling 911 is essential to ensure immediate medical attention and the safety of you and your family:

• You or your loved one’s condition is potentially life-threatening. This could include chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden confusion, trouble speaking, vision problems or seizures.
• When either Heimlich maneuver or CPR is required
• When moving the person may make their condition or injuries worse
• You are unable to get yourself or your loved one to the ER due to falling, injury or weakness

Remember, acting quickly and confidently in these situations can save lives and make a meaningful difference in someone’s recovery. You have the power to know what is best for you or your loved ones, when in doubt, don’t hesitate to call 911.

Should I go to urgent care or ER?

Deciding between urgent care or the emergency room can feel overwhelming, especially during urgent situations. By understanding the difference, you can make informed decisions about your health and your family’s well-being.

Make informed choices about your care, so you can focus on what truly matters—getting back to the moments you enjoy with your loved ones.

Not sure where to start? Use a symptom checker to identify your next steps.