Heart for Health

Knowing when to seek emergency care versus when to go to urgent care or your primary care provider can save you time and money.

When to Seek Emergency Care:

Emergency care is necessary when your health is at immediate risk. These situations include:

• Difficulty breathing

• Severe chest pain or pressure

• Sudden weakness or numbness in any part of your body

• Heavy bleeding that cannot be controlled

• Head trauma or a severe burn

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should go to the Emergency Room (ER) or call 911 immediately.

When to Seek Non-Emergency Care:

Non-emergency care refers to situations that require medical attention but aren't immediately life-threatening. Examples include:

• Mild to moderate injuries (sprains, cuts, or mild burns)

• Cold or flu symptoms

• Routine check-ups or follow-up appointments

• Minor infections like ear infections or sore throats

For non-emergencies, consider visiting an urgent care center or scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician.

Why It Matters:

• Cost:

  ER visits are typically much more expensive than visiting an urgent care center or seeing your PCP.

• Wait Time:

  ERs are often crowded, and you may face long wait times if your condition isn't life-threatening.

• Appropriate Care:

  Seeking care at the right place ensures that you're receiving the right level of care. For example, minor issues can be addressed more quickly at urgent care than at the ER.

Reflection:

Think about a time when you weren't sure whether to go to the ER or urgent care. What factors influenced your decision? Reflect on how you would make that choice in the future and write a brief summary of your thoughts.