When to Go to the Emergency Department vs. Urgent Care

CLICK HERE to download soundbites, b-roll, script and web article.

For download password, contact ccnewsservice@ccf.org.

CLEVELAND - When should you go to the emergency department versus an urgent care?

It all comes down to the type of symptoms you're experiencing, and how serious they are.

“If you attach the word severe to whatever your symptoms are, you probably should seek care at the emergency department. Basically, anything that affects ABCD: Airway, Breathing, Circulation and Disability,” explained urgent care physician Allan Capin, MD, with Cleveland Clinic Florida.

Dr. Capin said the emergency department (ER) is for emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, head injuries, severe cuts or burns as well as broken bones.

When it comes to symptoms, go to the ER for anything that’s debilitating or if you’re experiencing things like chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, one-sided weakness and numbness or loss of consciousness.

These are medical issues that may require hospitalization or surgery, and the emergency department has more resources to address them.

On the other hand, urgent care is for issues that need to be addressed but aren’t life-threatening, like a sprain, sinus infection as well as minor cuts and minor burns.

If you’re still not sure where to go, Dr. Capin said the best thing you can do is promptly seek care regardless – you’ll be rerouted as needed.

“I don't want the patient to worry about if they’re in the wrong place. Our job is to care for you and direct you to the appropriate treatment,” Dr. Capin said.

Above all, if you think you’re experiencing a medical emergency, Dr. Capin stressed it’s important to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.