If you or someone you know has ever been injured, you’ve probably wondered whether to go to urgent care or the emergency room. Deciding where to go when you’re suddenly sick or injured can be stressful, especially when time matters. While both options offer medical help without an appointment, they serve very different purposes. Understanding the difference can save you time, money, and even your life. BayCare Clinic board-certified Emergency Physicians staff the emergency departments and urgent care facilities at Aurora BayCare Medical Center in Green Bay and other Aurora hospitals throughout northeastern Wisconsin.
Emergency Room
Hospital emergency rooms are prepared to treat all emergency situations. Emergency Rooms provide immediate care for patients experiencing life-threatening conditions. They operate 24/7 and are staffed by doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals trained to handle a wide range of emergencies. You should go to the emergency room when you’re experiencing a medical issue that is severe, sudden, or potentially life-threatening. This can include symptoms such as:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Seizures
- Head injuries
- Severe burns
- Poisoning
- Trouble breathing
- Drug overdose
- Suicidal thoughts
Urgent Care
Urgent care clinics treat non-emergent medical problems that are less severe and don’t require emergency treatment. Urgent care clinics treat minor medical problems that can develop unexpectedly and require attention, filling the gap between primary care physicians and emergency rooms.
Common reasons to visit an urgent care include:
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Earache
- Minor cuts that need stitches
- Muscle aches and pains
- Pink eye
- Minor allergies
Knowing when to choose the emergency room versus urgent care can make a critical difference in both your health and your healthcare experience. While urgent care is ideal for treating non-life-threatening conditions like minor injuries, infections, or flu symptoms, the emergency room is equipped to handle severe, potentially life-threatening issues such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or major trauma. Understanding the distinction empowers you to act swiftly and appropriately when medical needs arise, saving time, money, and possibly even lives. To find an emergency room or urgent care location near you, visit: Emergency Medicine | BayCare Clinic