ER or urgent care? How to make the right choice.

When someone you love is sick or injured, it's not always easy to know what to do. Here's a guide to help you make the right treatment choice for your family. Always call 911 if you think someone is having a medical emergency.

When to go to the ER

Seek the medical expertise and specialized treatment available at an emergency room for severe, non-life-threatening injury or illness, including:

• Allergic reactions/breathing problems
• Broken bones
• Coughing/throwing up blood
• Deep wounds/burns/heavy bleeding
• Fainting/seizures
• High, uncontrolled fever
• Headache/dizziness/weakness/confusion
• Head injury/concussion
• Inhaled smoke/toxic fumes
• Persistent, non-specific pain, such as stomach pain or chest pain
• Persistent vomiting/diarrhea/dehydration
• Poisoning/alcohol or drug overdose
• Suicidal thoughts

Medical City has a network of in-hospital and hospital-based (off-campus) full-service adult and pediatric ER locations across North Texas

When to go to an urgent care clinic

An urgent care clinic, such as CareNow^® with dozens of convenient locations across North Texas, is great for minor injuries and illnesses. CareNow offers extended hours and Web Check-In^®.

Visit an urgent care center for:

• Bronchitis/respiratory infections
• Bruises/contusions
• Childhood illnesses
• Common medical tests
• Cuts/scrapes/lacerations
• Family and occupational care
• Flu/colds
• Immunizations, including flu shots
• Minor burns/sunburn
• Suspected broken bones
• Sprains and strains
• Sports physicals
• Strep throat

The blog ER, urgent care or virtual care? How to make the right choice. was originally published on Take Care on October 23, 2019.