Emergency Department vs. Urgent Care

You wake up one morning feeling out of sorts. Your muscles ache, you have a headache, and you’re running a fever. You know you should see a medical provider soon, but where should you go? Do you visit your local emergency department (ED)? Or turn to urgent care services? What is the difference between urgent care vs. an emergency room?

This is a common dilemma. With its 24/7 availability, many people seek care in an emergency department. But some health concerns don’t require emergency treatment. Urgent care centers and virtual urgent care services help reduce reliance on emergency rooms for health issues that are not life-threatening.

Visiting an Emergency Department
While a person might have a shorter wait for urgent care, certain medical situations require the resources of an emergency department and an emergency medicine doctor, including:
• Traumatic injuries, broken bones, suturing of wounds
• Severe bleeding
• Poisoning
• Burn care
• Seizures
• Heart attacks or strokes

Urgent Care
Urgent care serves people needing prompt medical attention for minor illnesses or injuries that can’t wait until the next day. At an urgent care center, which may be staffed by doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, patients can receive treatment for various illnesses. Urgent care works best for situations that need attention but are not life-threatening. Conditions typically treated by urgent care include:
• Flu or COVID-19
• Seasonal allergies
• Sprains or strains to muscles
• Urinary tract infections
• Respiratory infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia
• Upset stomach or diarrhea

Virtual urgent care visits
ICON Medicine Family Practice offers a convenient alternative to in-person visits. With virtual urgent care, patients can speak with a doctor through a video appointment via phone, tablet, or computer. You can talk to a provider about your medical concerns and symptoms during a virtual urgent care appointment through the ICON Care Connect website. Your provider can provide you with a diagnosis, treatment plan, and prescription for medication if needed.