FAQs
If the injury or illness is life-threatening or could cause permanent disability, go to the ER. The emergency department is where you will get care for severe illnesses and injuries. If it's a life-threatening emergency, call 911 so first responders can provide care right away.
Why do people go to the ER instead of urgent care? ›
Emergency rooms are the best option in cases where conditions are life-threatening and may require advanced treatment, such as having chest pain. Because life-threatening conditions are the number one priority in the emergency room, less severe cases will take longer to be treated.
What is a primary consideration when choosing between the emergency room and urgent care? ›
Urgent care centers are ideal for non-life-threatening situations that still require prompt attention, while emergency rooms are equipped for severe and life-threatening conditions. By choosing wisely, you ensure you're getting the appropriate level of care without unnecessary delays.
Which is more important urgent or emergency? ›
A medical urgency is a situation that requires quick medical attention but does not immediately endanger the patient's life. Medical urgencies, if not treated promptly, can evolve into an emergency, but initially they do not represent an immediate risk of life or permanent damage.
What is considered an urgent emergency? ›
It is an emergency if waiting to get care could be dangerous to your life or a part of your body. A bad injury or a sudden serious illness can be an emergency. Severe pain and active labor are emergencies.
What is considered a reason to go to the ER? ›
Seizures. Serious burns or cuts that won't stop bleeding or close. Severe allergic reaction. Severe cold or flu symptoms. Shortness of breath.
When and why may a patient benefit from going to urgent care rather than an emergency department? ›
Unless a condition is life-threatening, a trip to urgent care is generally a better use of a patient's time and resources to treat injuries, fevers, infections and other ailments.
How does emergency care differ from urgently needed care? ›
Severity of health problems
An Emergency Department treats life- or limb-threatening health conditions in people of all ages. It is the best option when you require immediate medical attention. Urgent Care is the middle ground between your primary care provider and the Emergency Department.
Is it better to go to the ER at night or morning? ›
ERs generally see a decline in patient visits during the early morning hours. Furthermore, weekends, in contrast to popular belief, also tend to be less crowded. If your condition is not life-threatening but still requires immediate medical attention, considering these off-peak hours might be beneficial.
What are examples of important but not urgent? ›
Non-Urgent Tasks But Important: These tasks are essential for long-term success but don't require immediate action. They include strategic planning, relationship building, and personal development.
The least busy times at the ER are usually early in the morning, particularly between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. Weekdays, specifically Tuesday and Wednesday, tend to be less busy compared to weekends.
How do you know if something is urgent or important? ›
The difference between the important and the urgent can be vast. Urgent items are always focused on the present moment: They need attention right now and if they are not dealt with, the consequences also happen right now. Important items on the other hand belong to long-term goals and items of strategic value.
What is considered urgent but not an emergency? ›
Any medical condition that is not an emergency but still requires treatment within 24 hours is considered urgent.
Should I go to ER or urgent care for chest pain? ›
Although most cases of chest pain are harmless, you should go to the emergency room immediately if your chest pain is intense, prolonged, or is accompanied by other symptoms. Here are some symptoms that may indicate you need immediate medical attention: Difficulty breathing/shortness of breath. Confusion/disorientation.
Why is the hospital emergency department sometimes used for non urgent conditions? ›
One of the main reasons for NU-ED visits is referral by physicians who percept a given medical condition as more urgent than it really is [19] [20] . Another reason for NU-ED visits is the availability of ED in terms of hours or geographical location.
What is the difference between urgent and ER? ›
Urgent care centers are not a substitute for emergency care as they don't have the same equipment or trained staff that emergency departments have, but they can be a solid option for minor injuries or illnesses or if your doctor's office is closed. Urgent care centers do not have a federal mandate to treat patients.
Why do so many people go to the emergency room? ›
Changes in Mental Status, Confusion, or Disorientation
Several medical conditions can cause a sudden onset of severe changes in mental status. Included in these are strokes, seizures, medications, low insulin levels, and very high fevers. It's never a good idea to self-diagnose, so a trip to the ER is warranted.
Should I go to ER or urgent care for Chest pain? ›
Although most cases of chest pain are harmless, you should go to the emergency room immediately if your chest pain is intense, prolonged, or is accompanied by other symptoms. Here are some symptoms that may indicate you need immediate medical attention: Difficulty breathing/shortness of breath. Confusion/disorientation.
