Should You Go To The Emergency Room Or Urgent Care?

SFL Logo December 19, 2023

Have you experienced a time when you weren’t sure if you should go to urgent care or the emergency room? Picking the correct type of care can save you time and get you the care you need when you need it, without compromising your safety. 

Refer to the different circumstances below to help you choose between urgent, emergency care and 911.



                                                                  Urgent care 

  • Not life threatening. 
  • If your problem does not threaten your life or risk disabling you, but you cannot see your health care provider quickly enough, go to an urgent care clinic. 
  • VA or community urgent care providers can address non-life threatening care needs more efficiently than most emergency rooms. 

Emergency room (ER) or 911 

  • Life threatening: Go to the ER or call 911 if you cannot wait. 
  • You need emergency care to prevent death, disability or permanent health effects. 
  • Go to the emergency room or call 911 for injuries and symptoms like sudden loss of awareness, sight, arm or leg weakness or numbness, severe chest pain, heavy uncontrollable bleeding, new severe abdominal pain or major trauma or burns. 

Examples of health conditions that may need an urgent care visit: 

  • A sore or persistent cough 
  • Sprains, minor broken bones 
  • Deep cuts that are no longer bleeding 
  • Allergies 
  • Mild burns 
  • Mild nausea or vomiting 
  • Urinary tract infection symptoms 

Examples of health conditions that may need a visit to the ER: 

  • Head injury 
  • Trouble breathing 
  • Cuts that won’t stop bleeding, and severe burns or wounds 
  • Stroke symptoms 
  • Chest pain or discomfort 
  • Seizures 

Learn more about how to choose between urgent and emergency care based on your symptoms.

Find your nearest urgent or emergency care facility here. 

Support and resources 

Article Source: Should you go to the emergency room or urgent care?