Should I go to urgent care vs. the emergency room?

Urgent care clinics offer walk-in care when:

• You need medical attention quickly but your doctor’s office isn’t open.
• You’re not sick enough to go to an emergency room. 

Common symptoms and conditions treated at urgent care include:

Illnesses

• Cold and flu symptoms
• Sore throat
• Ear infections
• Sinus infections
• Mild fever
• Coughs
• Mild nausea or vomiting
• Pink eye
• Minor allergic reactions  

Injuries

• Minor cuts requiring stitches
• Minor burns
• Sprains and strains
• Back pain
• Minor fractures
• Sports injuries
• Insect bites

Many urgent care centers offer on-site diagnostic services such as lab testing, X-rays and other imaging support. Some also offer advanced imaging and additional diagnostic services, helping patients get answers quickly. 

Emergency departments provide care for life-threatening illnesses and injuries that need immediate medical attention. ERs are open 24/7, including weekends and holidays. Patients are seen in order of how serious their health condition is, not when they arrive. 

Common symptoms and conditions treated at emergency rooms include:

Heart & circulation

• Chest pain
• Suspected heart attack
• Severe bleeding

Brain & nervous system

• Stroke symptoms
• Sudden confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures

Breathing emergencies

• Severe shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing

Serious injuries

• Major burns
• Serious head injuries
• Broken bones involving major trauma
• Suspected spinal injuries

Emergency rooms have access to advanced specialists, operating rooms and hospital resources that urgent care centers do not.

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away if you have symptoms that may be life-threatening, including:

• Chest pain or pressure that may indicate a heart attack
• Severe difficulty breathing
• Signs of stroke, such as face drooping, arm weakness and slurred speech
• Severe bleeding that won't stop
• Major burns
• Serious head injuries
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Severe allergic reactions that make breathing difficult
• Sudden confusion or inability to speak
• Suspected spinal injuries

When in doubt, call 911. Emergency medical professionals can help determine the safest next step.

The cost of urgent care and emergency room visits depends on your insurance plan, location and medical needs. In many cases, urgent care costs less than an ER visit for similar minor illnesses or injuries. Urgent care from an Optum provider is generally billed as an office visit rather than emergency care.

Your out-of-pocket costs may depend on:

• Copays
• Deductibles
• Coinsurance
• Whether care is received at a facility that is in-network or not 

Most health plans cover both urgent care and emergency care, but ER visits often cost more. Check your plan details so you understand your coverage before an unexpected illness or injury occurs.