Urgent Care vs Emergency Room: What is the difference?

If you think you have a life-threatening condition, such as a heart attack or stroke, call 911 immediately.

Where should I go for a sick visit – the ER, my primary doctor or AFC Urgent Care?

Are you ever unsure of where to go for medical care when you’re feeling ill? Do you often find yourself stuck between going to the emergency room, a primary care doctor or an urgent care facility?

At AFC Urgent Care of Tyvola Road, we strive to provide a safe and accessible alternative to the ER or your primary care physician when you need it. We treat many common illnesses, minor injuries and infections and are far more cost and time-effective than the ER. Typically, patients at AFC are in and out in about an hour, with an average bill of $150.

More than 1 in 5 Americans visit the ER at least once a year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Unfortunately, up to 70% of these visits could have been treated by an urgent care center or a primary care physician at a much lower cost.

We understand that when you need medical care, you don’t want to wait. We also understand that ER costs can be four times higher than regular doctor visits, according to U.S. News and World Report, making it an expensive option for non-life-threatening medical situations. That’s why we are committed to providing quality medical care when you need it, with convenience and affordability in mind.

We strive to be the best ER alternative that the American public needs. Our urgent care centers are equipped to handle a variety of medical issues, from minor illnesses to injuries and more.

What is Urgent Care?

Urgent care is a type of medical care that is provided for conditions that are not life-threatening but still require immediate attention.

Most urgent care clinics are typically open longer hours than primary care doctor’s offices and are able to see patients on a walk-in basis, without the need for an appointment. Urgent care centers are equipped to handle a wide range of medical conditions, including minor injuries, infections and illnesses.

Some specific conditions treated at urgent care include cuts and bruises, sprains and strains, respiratory infections and stomach viruses. Urgent care commonly offers other services such as x-rays and laboratory tests.

What isn’t treated at urgent care?

Urgent cares are able to treat a wide range of medical conditions, but they are not equipped to handle serious or life-threatening emergencies. Urgent care centers also do not refill prescriptions. If you have a serious injury or illness that requires immediate attention, you should go to a hospital emergency room rather than an urgent care center.

Some examples of conditions that should be treated at a hospital emergency room rather than an urgent care center include:

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Severe or persistent bleeding
• Sudden loss of consciousness
• Suspected stroke or heart attack
• Severe burns or electrical injuries
• Poisoning
• Severe abdominal pain

If you are not sure whether you should go to an urgent care center or a hospital emergency room, call AFC Urgent Care for help. It’s always better to be safe and get the medical attention you need as soon as possible.