Quick Guide
Emergency Room: Life-threatening or potentially disabling conditions
Urgent Care: Needs treatment today but not life-threatening
Primary Care: Routine, non-urgent issues and preventive care
🚨 Emergency Room (ER)
When to Go: Life-Threatening Conditions
Open 24/7 | Call 911 for severe cases | Most expensive option
Go to the ER or call 911 for:
Heart & Circulation:
- • Chest pain/pressure
- • Stroke symptoms (FAST test)
- • Severe shortness of breath
- • Uncontrolled bleeding
Head & Neurological:
- • Sudden severe headache
- • Confusion/altered mental state
- • Head injury with loss of consciousness
- • Seizures
Trauma & Injury:
- • Severe burns
- • Broken bones (compound fractures)
- • Deep wounds needing stitches
- • Eye injuries
Other Emergencies:
- • Poisoning/overdose
- • Severe allergic reactions
- • Suicidal thoughts
- • Pregnancy complications
Cost: Most expensive ($500-$3,000+ even with insurance)
Wait time: Can be several hours unless life-threatening
⚡ Urgent Care
When to Go: Needs Care Today (Not Life-Threatening)
Extended hours, often walk-in | Moderate cost | Faster than ER
Perfect for urgent care:
Infections:
- • Urinary tract infections
- • Ear infections
- • Sinus infections
- • Strep throat
- • Pink eye
Minor Injuries:
- • Sprains/strains
- • Minor cuts (stitches)
- • Minor burns
- • Possible fractures
- • Insect bites/stings
Cost: Moderate ($75-$200 with insurance)
Wait time: Usually under 1 hour
Hours: Typically 8am-8pm, some 24/7
🏥 Primary Care Doctor
When to Go: Routine & Non-Urgent Care
Appointment needed | Least expensive | Best for ongoing care
Cost: Least expensive ($20-$75 copay typically)
Wait time: Appointment needed (same-day sometimes available)
Advantage: Knows your medical history, provides continuity of care
Medical Review
Reviewed by: Ricardo Hamilton, MD
Last Updated: January 7, 2026
Sources: American College of Emergency Physicians, Urgent Care Association