What's the difference between “emergency care” and “urgent care”?

Many health care professionals will tell you that a significant number of people in an ER waiting room could be better cared for, more quickly, in a doctor's office. That is why urgent care is a convenient, appropriate and lower-cost option to emergency care. Co-payments are higher and waiting times are longer in an emergency room.

However, deciding whether or not to go to the emergency room may not be easy. Ask yourself, “Is there an immediate danger to my life?” or “If I don't get help right away, will it permanently affect my health?” If your answer is "yes" to either question, you have an emergency.

Every second counts in a medical emergency, which may include:

• uncontrolled bleeding
• seizure or loss of consciousness
• shortness of breath
• chest pain or squeezing sensation in the chest
• poisoning or suspected overdose of medication
• sudden paralysis or slurred speech
• broken bones
• severe pain

“Urgent care” is when you need medical attention right away for an unforeseen illness or injury, but your health is not in serious danger. Examples may include:

• severe sore throat
• sprains and strains
• ear or eye infection
• fever or flu

You may not consider these situations an emergency but you still need to get care quickly. In addition, you do not need to get a referral for urgent care. Urgent care centers get you the treatment that you need faster and have lower copayments. If it's not possible to see your primary care physician then consider urgent care.

Whenever possible, call your doctor before going to the emergency room. They should be able to advise you. Typically, an answering service for your doctor's office will take your call after regular hours and have someone call you back. However, go directly to the nearest emergency facility or call 911 if you are in a situation where you can't call your doctor first, or you feel it is a life-threatening emergency.

Updated: April 2007