12/25/2025
Urgent Care vs. ER Comparisonπ©ββοΈ
Not sure when to choose going to Urgent Care or going to the Emergency Room? Hopefully we can break it down for you!
Urgent Care- non-life-threatening; cold, flu, sore throat, ear aches, minor burns or cuts (may need sutures), sprains/strains, minor fractures, simple rashes, UTI's, physicals
ER- life-threatening; chest pains, signs of stroke (sudden numbness/weakness, difficulty speaking), severe bleeding, major head injuries, difficulty breathing, major broken bones (compound fracture), severe burns, seizures, poisoning
Hours of Operation:
Urgent Care- generally has extended hours but not open 24/7; usually shorter wait time, patients are seen in the order they arrive
ER- open 24/7; unpredictable wait times, patients are triaged (seen based on severity of condition)
Cost:
Urgent Care- typically less expensive than ER
ER- generally most expensive option
all medical facts are from www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org
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