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What is Urgent Care and When Should You Use It?

What is the difference between an urgent health care need and an emergency?

When a medical problem arises that requires immediate attention, it is often difficult to know if it is truly an emergency, or whether it is simply an urgent medical issue.

Generally, an emergency is a condition that may threaten an individual's life or cause impairment. On the other hand, urgent care can treat medical problems that while not emergencies, require care within 24 hours.

Some examples of conditions that can be treated at urgent care include:

Accidents and falls
Sprains and broken bones
Back problems
Breathing difficulties
Severe abdominal pain
Bleeding/cuts -- not bleeding a lot but requiring stitches
High fever
Vomiting, diarrhea or dehydration
Severe sore throat or cough
Mild to moderate asthma

If a medical problem is life-threatening, call 911 immediately, and care will be provided at the nearest emergency room (ER). However, ER visits should be reserved for true emergencies, such as life-threatening accidents or chest pain. A visit to the ER without an actual emergency can be costly and inefficient, and detract medical care from individuals who truly need emergency care.

Common situations needing emergency room care:

Difficulty in breathing
Unconsciousness
Severe bleeding
Poisoning
Chest pain or pressure
Moderate to severe burns
Convulsions or seizures
Serious head, neck or back injury
Loss of limb or severe broken bone