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
Common Illnesses:
- • Flu symptoms
- • Fever (not infant)
- • Cough/cold complications
- • Vomiting/diarrhea
- • Rashes
Other Services:
- • X-rays
- • Basic lab tests
- • Vaccinations
- • Physical exams (sports, work)
- • Prescription refills (urgent)
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
Best for your primary care doctor:
Preventive Care:
- • Annual physical exams
- • Routine vaccinations
- • Health screenings
- • Wellness checks
Chronic Conditions:
- • Diabetes management
- • Blood pressure control
- • Cholesterol monitoring
- • Asthma management
Non-Urgent Issues:
- • Ongoing symptoms
- • Medication management
- • Follow-up care
- • Second opinions
Referrals:
- • Specialist referrals
- • Test ordering
- • Coordinated care
- • Medical records
Cost: Least expensive ($20-$75 copay typically)
Wait time: Appointment needed (same-day sometimes available)
Advantage: Knows your medical history, provides continuity of care
Decision Flowchart
Is it life-threatening?
Chest pain, stroke signs, severe bleeding, can't breathe?
→ Call 911 or go to ER
Does it need care TODAY but isn't life-threatening?
UTI, sprain, minor cut, possible strep throat?
→ Go to Urgent Care
Can it wait a day or two for an appointment?
Ongoing issue, routine care, medication refill?
→ Call Primary Care Doctor
Cost Comparison
| Type | Typical Cost | Wait Time |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Care | $20-$75 copay | Scheduled appointment |
| Urgent Care | $75-$200 | 30-60 minutes |
| Emergency Room | $500-$3,000+ | Several hours (non-emergency) |
💡 Pro Tips
- • Call your primary care doctor first—they may offer same-day appointments
- • Many insurance plans require higher copays for ER visits (unless admitted)
- • Urgent care can handle more than you think—call ahead to confirm
- • Telehealth is growing—check if your doctor offers virtual visits
- • Keep your primary care doctor informed of any ER/urgent care visits
Medical Review
Reviewed by: Ricardo Hamilton, MD
Last Updated: November 26, 2025
Sources: American College of Emergency Physicians, Urgent Care Association, American Academy of Family Physicians