Medically reviewed in July 2022
Updated on October 17, 2022
It's Saturday afternoon and your son has come down with a fever. Or maybe your husband sprained his ankle on a jog. Your doctor's office is closed until Monday and you're not sure the situation is serious enough for a trip to the emergency department. There's a third option: urgent care.
Urgent care centers treat a range of serious, but non-life-threatening health problems, including mild illnesses, minor fractures, strains, sprains, and skin rashes.
"They’re typically available 365 days a year, on weekends and evenings," says Michael Kaplan, MD, a family medicine doctor at CareNow Urgent Care in Houston, Texas.
Urgent care facilities are ideal if your healthcare provider (HCP) or primary care physician’s (PCP) office is closed or booked though the coming weeks or months. The centers typically offer same-day treatment, accept most forms of insurance—although some don’t take Medicaid—and don’t require an appointment.
Where you go for care matters
Illness and injury can happen without warning and leave us questioning where to go—especially if the problem seems severe. But not all health troubles need to be addressed in the ER.
Studies have shown that a significant proportion of ER visits can be treated in an urgent care setting, Dr. Kaplan explains. Relying on ERs in these situations can contribute to overcrowding, and people who need medical help most may not be able to get it. Visiting your local urgent care instead can lessen the burden on emergency workers—and help you access the appropriate treatment faster.
Services provided at urgent care centers can vary, Kaplan adds, but they normally include on-site X-rays, labs, and occupational medicine, which is devoted to treating work-related injuries.
In many parts of the country, patients can visit urgent cares for flu shots and COVID-19 tests, as well. If you are being tested for or have symptoms of COVID-19, be sure to alert the staff. Remember to wear your mask to the appointment and follow all office safety and social distancing rules.
Urgent care centers can also treat:
- Fevers
- Cuts that need stitches
- Dehydration, such as from food poisoning
- Bug bites
- Minor fractures, like fingers or toes
- Non-life-threatening infections like the flu, urinary tract infections, and strep throat
- Mild to moderate asthma issues
Take note, too, that the price difference between a hospital trip and an urgent care trip can be staggering. "The average urgent care visit costs about $150," says Kaplan. "A typical ER visit starts close to $800 or more."
When urgent care isn't enough
Don’t be careless with your health in the name of time or money. In an emergency situation, your life is what matters most. Some illnesses or injuries can't be treated at urgent care.
"Acute problems, such as heart attacks or severe abdominal pain—any life- or limb-threatening conditions—need to be treated in an ER," Kaplan explains. Emergency room nurses prioritize the sickest patients first. If you’re in a dire situation, they’ll take you ahead of others whose problems might be less serious.
Life-threatening emergencies include injury or illness that could result in death, brain damage, or organ failure, such as:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath, including heavy, rapid, or irregular breathing
- Signs of a stroke, like a sudden and severe headache, sudden weakness on one side, confusion, loss of balance, or trouble speaking
- Loss of consciousness or head injuries
- Potential loss of limb
- Heavy bleeding
- Gunshot or knife wounds
- Seizures
- Second- or third-degree burns
- Fever in an infant under 3 months old
Anyone having suicidal thoughts should be immediately evaluated in an emergency room, too. If you or someone else is at risk but not actively planning to complete a suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1‑800‑273‑8255 or call, text, or chat 988. Or, text NAMI to 741741. Encourage others to do the same.
Urgent care can’t replace your HCP
It’s comforting to know urgent care can help in a pinch, but you should still keep routine appointments with your regular provider. "They offer preventive medicine services like immunizations and screenings," Kaplan explains. "They also provide essential care and management for ongoing chronic diseases."
Your HCP keeps track of conditions, medications, tests, and procedures over time, as well. They get to know you personally, including your body’s unique quirks and special medical needs. This helps them advocate for you if you’re sent to a new specialist, undergoing diagnostic tests, or being hospitalized.
"And, of course, they often can take care of urgent care-like visits," Kaplan adds. When you need help, it’s worth giving your HCP a call; if they can’t see you right away, they can at least help you determine if you should seek urgent care or visit the ER.
