Urgent care vs. emergency room
Written By Sarah Thebarge, Physician Assistant and medically reviewed by Dr. Betsy Koickel, MD on October 7th 2025.
You’re cutting strawberries and accidentally slice your thumb. The pain isn’t terrible, but the cut looks deep and is bleeding badly. So, what do you do—head to the emergency room (ER) or visit your nearest urgent care center?
This type of dilemma is common. Many people aren’t sure when urgent care is appropriate versus when an ER visit is necessary.
Let’s break down the differences so you can make the right choice.
When to go to urgent care
The main difference between urgent care and emergency rooms is the severity of the health problem. If the condition is life-threatening, go to an emergency room. If the condition is a minor illness or injury, take advantage of the convenience and affordability of urgent care. Urgent care centers are ideal for non-emergency situations.
Urgent care centers are typically open through the evening and on weekends, while some centers are open until midnight. Most urgent care centers are also staffed with knowledgeable providers. If you need a specialist, an urgent care that operates in partnership with a health system can connect you to an extensive network of providers within the health system for follow-up care.
Visit an urgent care center for:
- Minor fractures
- Back pain
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Minor headaches
- Bumps, cuts and scrapes
- Fever
- Ear or sinus pain
- Cough or sore throat
- Animal bites
- Stitches
- Sprains and strains
- Mild asthma
- Foreign objects in the eyes or nose
- Allergies
- Rashes and minor burns
- Burning with urination
- Eye irritation, swelling, or pain
- Minor allergic reactions
- Cold or flu symptoms
Why choose urgent care?
- Fast and affordable care: On average, urgent care visits are typically shorter than ER visits and come with lower copays.
- Convenient locations: Urgent care can be found in convenient, nearby locations like shopping centers and commercial plazas.
- Wide range of services: From minor injuries to illnesses, plus x-rays and lab testing.
- No appointment needed: Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments are not accepted, although you can get in line to see a provider by saving your spot online.
- Continuity of care: Urgent cares that operate in partnership with a health system can connect patients with a specialist if extra care is needed.
- Preventive care: Urgent care offers sports, camp, and work physicals as well as some vaccinations.
- Calm environment: Less intimidating than the ER.
- Insurance accepted: Most urgent care centers are in-network with most major insurance providers, Medicare, Medicaid, workers’ compensation, and motor vehicle insurance. In some cases, urgent cares even partner with businesses to offer special programs for employees.
When to go to the ER
Emergency rooms are designed for life-threatening conditions. The ER is open 24/7 for care. Emergency room may have a wider variety of specialists on call, they are frequently busy and prioritize the most severe cases first.
Go straight to the ER for:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Stroke
- Head trauma
- Severe bleeding
- Loss of vision
If the condition is severe or potentially life-threatening, the ER is the right choice.
When to call 911
Call 911 if someone cannot reach the ER or needs immediate medical attention. Do not move someone with a severe injury to the neck or spine—call instead.
Call 911 for:
- Accidental poisoning
- Deep cuts or burns on head, chest, or stomach
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- Head injury with confusion, vomiting, or unconsciousness
- Heart attack or stroke
- Drug or medication overdose
- Seizures
- Severe allergic reaction or asthma attack
- Trouble breathing (especially if lips or skin are blue)
Visit an urgent care center near you
If you have a minor illness or injury, take advantage of the convenience and affordability of urgent care. We’re committed to providing high-quality care for the entire family.
Walk in, save your spot online, or schedule a Virtual Visit with a provider today.
