How to Tell If You Need Urgent Care Now

Illnesses and injuries can strike at any time. When a sudden medical need arises, you may consider checking in at the nearest emergency room, but this isn’t always the best choice. ERs treat patients based on how serious their condition is. They can also be expensive, even with health insurance, so it’s important to weigh your options.

At The Center for Primary Care and Sports Medicine in Aurora, Illinois, board-certified physician Lawrence Kacmar, MD, and our team offer urgent care to people of all ages. Here, we explain the difference between the ER and urgent care, note signs that urgent care is the best option, and describe how to prepare for your visit.

What is urgent care for?

Urgent care facilities bridge the gap between primary care and emergency services. More specifically, they provide prompt treatment for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries that require medical expertise. 

Our urgent care treats various medical issues, including:

• Sprains, strains, and other sports injuries
• Minor fractures (broken bones)
• Minor burns
• Cuts that need stitches
• Ear and eye infections
• The flu, common cold, and COVID-19
• Skin rashes
• Sore throat
• Diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems

Most urgent care practices are open later than primary care offices, so they’re a convenient option if you or your child needs treatment after normal business hours.

When to go to the emergency room instead

Urgent care practices offer many services, but they aren’t equipped to handle life-threatening emergencies, so it’s essential that you know when to visit the emergency room instead. Medical problems that require a trip to the ER include:

• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Severe bleeding
• Sudden numbness or weakness
• Seizures
• Head trauma
• Major fractures

In a stressful situation, it can be challenging to know whether to visit the ER or urgent care. A good rule of thumb: If you’re unsure, assume the issue could be life-threatening and call 911 or go to the nearest ER. In the event of a heart attack or stroke, every second counts, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

How to prepare for an urgent care visit

Because urgent care facilities are often separate from your primary care provider, they may not have all your information on file. That means a little extra preparation can help ensure your visit goes smoothly.

Be sure to bring your photo identification and health insurance card. Also, write down any medications you regularly take, including both prescription and over-the-counter drugs. It’s helpful to bring results from any recent or relevant tests, such as blood work or diagnostic imaging.

Because urgent care-related issues often arise unexpectedly, there’s no need to schedule an appointment. We accept walk-in visitors throughout the day, and we’re open until 8:30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

If you or a loved one needs prompt treatment for a medical problem that’s not life-threatening, urgent care can provide peace of mind and get you the treatment you need. Walk in or call The Center for Primary Care and Sports Medicine.