When and Why Should I Visit an ER Instead of Urgent Care?

In Spring, Texas, there are several options for urgent care and emergency medical services, but knowing which is the best choice for your pressing medical need can sometimes be tricky.

Memorial Springs ER offers both services, so we’ve got you covered either way. Our expert team of experienced physicians and technicians specialize in diagnosing and treating medical emergencies and can help you quickly, skillfully, and safely. 

Here, we explain the differences between these two seemingly similar services, and help you decide which one is appropriate for various situations. 

Urgent care vs. emergency room

All medical emergencies are urgent, but not all urgent issues are emergencies. Here’s the basic difference between these two medical services.

Urgent care facilities

Urgent care centers are for non-life-threatening medical conditions that need timely attention. They’re perfect for situations where your primary care physician isn’t available, but you need medical help quickly.

Our urgent care offers X-rays, lab tests, and treatments for minor injuries. You can walk in without an appointment and expect shorter wait times than an ER. Think of urgent care for ailments like minor cuts, sprains, or mild flu symptoms.

Emergency rooms

Emergency rooms like ours deal with severe medical problems and life-threatening health conditions. We have specialized equipment, and our medical professionals are trained to handle critical situations. If you’re experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding, the ER is where you need to be — we’re open 24/7. 

When to choose urgent care

Urgent care centers are ideal for treating conditions that require prompt attention but aren’t life-threatening, such as:

• Minor injuries, like sprains, strains, minor fractures, and cuts that may require stitches
• Mild to moderate illnesses, like the flu, sore throats, ear infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Allergic reactions (without severe respiratory issues), minor asthma attacks, and skin rashes

Give us a call if you’re unsure whether your condition is urgent or an emergency.

The cost of urgent care treatment is usually lower than an ER visit. Many insurance plans also have lower copays for urgent care visits, making it a cost-effective option for non-emergency situations. 

When to head to the emergency room

Never ignore the following symptoms; head straight to the emergency room or call 911 if you’re experiencing:

• Chest pain
• Severe abdominal pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Sudden weakness or numbness
• Severe bleeding

Our emergency room is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and specialist care teams, so if you’re having a stroke or heart attack, for example, we can provide immediate, life-saving treatment. 

Making the decision

When deciding between urgent care and the ER, assess your symptoms carefully. Ask yourself:

• Is my condition life-threatening?
• Can this wait until my primary care doctor is available?

Our Memorial Springs ER team is here when you need us. If you’re in doubt, call our Spring, Texas, facility at 346-899-6737 or request an appointment online today. You can even check in to our ER online at your convenience.