Severity of symptoms dictates choice of ER or urgent care
Whether you should go to the emergency room or an urgent care depends on the type of symptoms you are experiencing and how serious they are, according to a doctor.
Dr. Allan Capin of the Cleveland Clinic said the ER is for emergencies such a heart attacks, strokes, head injuries, severe cuts or burns as well as broken bones.
When it comes to symptoms, go to the ER for anything that’s debilitating or if you’re experiencing things like chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, one-sided weakness and numbness or loss of consciousness.
These are medical issues that may require hospitalization or surgery, and the emergency department has more resources to address them.
On the other hand, urgent care is for issues that need to be addressed but aren’t life-threatening, like a sprain, sinus infection as well as minor cuts and minor burns.
If you’re still not sure where to go, Dr. Capin said the best thing you can do is promptly seek care regardless. You’ll be rerouted as needed.