Urgent Care or the ER — Where Should I Go?

In the United States, the median wait time for emergency care in the emergency room (ER) is more than an hour and a half. Such a long time in the waiting room can be frustrating and concerning as you worry about your injury or condition worsening within that time frame.

Emergency providers assess the severity of every person’s condition when they come in. People experiencing serious or life-threatening issues can get immediate attention, but others with less significant issues may need to wait for an extended time.

This is where urgent care comes in. You can trust our team at Westmed Family Healthcare in Westminster, Colorado, to provide acute care promptly. Family providers Clifton Etienne, MD, Michael Cavanagh, MD, and Flora Brewington, MD, offer efficient, attentive medical care for many common medical concerns that can arise out of the blue.

Make the right decision on where to go the next time your health takes an unexpected turn. If you need immediate medical attention, here’s how to choose between urgent care and the ER.

Key differences between urgent care and the ER

Urgent care centers and emergency rooms can both provide walk-in medical services for conditions that need to be addressed quickly, but they’re not exactly alike. Emergency rooms are more equipped for severe and complex medical needs while urgent care centers are ready for more common, run-of-the-mill health concerns.

When to go to the ER

You should go to the emergency room if your illness or injury is life- or limb-threatening. Consider an ER visit if you or someone under your care is bleeding heavily, has lost consciousness, or may succumb to their condition.

Some examples of medical emergencies requiring ER care are:

Acute chest pain or tightness
Trouble breathing
Concussions and other head injuries
Lacerations that might need stitches
Seizures
Broken bones
Fever with a rash
Signs of a stroke, like weakness or numbness on one side
Vaginal bleeding with pregnancy

If you’re on the fence about whether or not to seek emergency care, go with your instinct. Don’t hesitate to head to the nearest emergency department if you feel that you or someone you’re with is in medical danger.

Common medical concerns for urgent care

Westmed Family Healthcare and other urgent care clinics are prepared to see you for medical conditions that need immediate attention even if your primary care provider is unavailable. You can receive same-day care or testing for a variety of common medical symptoms and concerns, including:

Cold and flu symptoms
Rashes
Sprains and strains
A sore throat
Allergies
Minor wounds
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Vomiting

Westmed Family Healthcare offers same-day urgent care visits. Beyond providing diagnostic evaluations and immediate care, our team offers many same-day medical services you might need.

During a same-day urgent care visit, our team can update your vaccinations, provide STD testing and other lab work, or give you a basic physical exam. We also offer X-ray imaging tests on an as-needed basis as well as risk-based disease screenings.