When you need medical care, there are times when the ER is clearly the best bet. To quote Taylor Swift, “Band-Aids don’t fix bullet holes.” Then again, you shouldn’t necessarily run to the ER every time you have a cough or a sore throat. If you can avoid the hospital, your medical care will be cheaper at an urgent care clinic. Here is some guidance on which option may be best.
When to go to the ER:
- Sudden numbness, dizziness or weakness
- Disorientation or difficulty speaking
- Seizure or loss of consciousness
- Asthma attack
- Blurry or loss of vision
- Severe cuts or burns
- Heart attack, chest pain, chest pressure
- Overdose
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Vomiting blood
- Severe allergic reactions
Go to urgent care center for:
- Earaches and ear infections
- Minor cuts, sprains, burns
- Animal bites
- Mild asthma
- Urinary tract infection
- Headaches
- Back and joint pain
- Pinkeye
- Bug bite or sting
A virtual visit will suffice for:
- Fever
- Cough, sore throat, flu
- Rash
- Aches and pains
- Anxiety
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Post-surgical follow-ups
Sources: UPMC, Cleveland Clinic
Be a smart consumer of health.
Share Your Thoughts