ER Prevention
When to go to Urgent Care, ER, or Primary Care Physician
Primary Care Physician
If your condition is life threatening,
call 911 or go immediately to the
nearest emergency department.
If your concern is not a life-threatening emergency, first attempt to contact your physician’s office.
• Your physicians know you, your medication history, current health conditions, and what medication you take.
• Speaking with your physician first may help you avoid a trip to Urgent Care or the hospital Emergency Department.
• A visit to our office typically costs much less then visits to either an Urgent Care or Emergency Department.
Urgent Care
If your condition is life threatening,
call 911 or go immediately to the
nearest emergency department.
If your physician is not available and you need to be seen the same day for a minor illness or injury, Urgent Care clinic are an alternative that are generally less expensive that the Emergency Department. Urgent Care clinics can treat minor conditions, including, but not limited to:
- Cold & flu symptoms
- Ear infections
- Sinus infections
- Sore throat
- Pink eye
- Insect bites
- Minor burns, cuts, and rashes
- Poison ivy
- Bladder infections
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Breathing difficulties (such as mild to moderate asthma)
Emergency Department
If your condition is life threatening,
call 911 or go immediately to the
nearest emergency department.
Sometimes there are situations where you need care immediately. If so, then you should go tot the Emergency Department. Some situations could include:
Severe difficulty breathing
Severe chest pain or pressure
Rapid heartbeat that doesn’t slow down
Unexplained weakness or loss of feeling in a body part or inability to speak
Head injury with passing out, fainting, or confusion
Loss of consciousness