Many times the emergency room (ER) is the right choice. But did you know your doctor can treat many of the same problems you might go to the ER for — and seeing your doctor can save you time and money. If your doctor is unavailable, there are other lower-cost alternatives to the ER. Here’s how they stack up. When you or a loved one is hurt, you want the best care. Your doctor knows you and your health history and has access to your medical records. If it’s not urgent, consider other health care alternatives. Convenient care centers are designed to provide you with fast, appointment-free health care for minor illness and injuries. Convenient care centers can help you with: fever, sore throat (strep testing available), minor injuries (abrasions/scrapes), vomiting, rashes, bug bites, minor cuts that may need stitches, earaches, coughs/congestion, and sinus infection.
Urgent care centers are equipped to handle the same ailments that convenient care centers can handle and more. Urgent care centers can help you with: sprains, strains, minor broken bones (e.g., finger), minor infections, small cuts that may need stitches, minor burns, and xrays.
Emergency rooms are designed for people with serious health events. Go to the emergency room for: heavy bleeding, large open wounds, sudden change in vision, chest pain, sudden weakness or trouble talking, major burns, spinal injuries, difficulty breathing, and major broken bones.
Be a better health care consumer. The cost of medical care can very widely. Your costs depends on where and how you receive care. If it’s an emergency always call 911 immediately.
* This is a sample list and is not intended to be an all inclusive list.