When to Visit the ER vs. Urgent Care

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Today, we explore one of our frequently asked questions, when to visit the ER vs. Urgent Care. We are blessed to live in an era where we have options for medical treatment. Before towns were lucky if they had one family doctor to attend all medical emergencies. Today we have emergency rooms and urgent care clinics to choose from.

But, it’s not always easy knowing where to go when an emergency strikes. Let us clarify the difference between ER vs. Urgent Care facilities.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”25281″ size=”full”][vc_column_text]

Urgent Care

These centers are designed for patients whose symptoms or injuries are minor and don’t represent a threat to their lives but do require medical attention.[/vc_column_text][us_image_slider ids=”25282,25283″ fullscreen=”1″ autoplay=”1″ img_size=”full”][us_separator size=”small”][us_cta title=”Know Where to Go in Case of an Emergency.” btn_label=”FIND AN ER” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Faltusemergency.com%2Ffind-an-emergency-room-near-me-find-an-er%2F”][/us_cta][vc_column_text]

Emergency Room

Emergency rooms are meant for genuine medical emergencies. These centers are equipped to handle trauma, surgical procedures, and other life-threatening situations. They have high-tech diagnostic equipment like x-rays, EKG’s, and ultrasounds.[/vc_column_text][us_image_slider ids=”25278,25277″ fullscreen=”1″ autoplay=”1″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]

Hospital ER or Altus Emergency Centers?

How soon you get treated during a medical emergency can mark the difference between a full recovery, or a lifetime of disability or even death.

Therefore, when possible choose to come to the nearest Altus Emergency Center for treatment.

We guarantee no long wait times; unlike hospital ER’s where patients sometimes must wait for hours to get seen by a doctor.

The following symptom chart will help you decide if you should go to an Urgent Care center or the ER. Feel free to print and share it, you could save someone’s life.

Symptom Guide – Know Where to Go

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TYPE OF ILLNESS OR INJURY

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URGENT CARE

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EMERGENCY ROOM

Mild to Moderate Stomach Flu Symptoms such as Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhea.
Mild Abdominal Pain

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Persistent Diarrhea
Bloody Stools
Vomiting Blood
Severe Abdominal Pain
All pediatrics with Digestive tract issues

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][us_separator size=”small”][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle” columns_type=”” columns_reverse=”” ignore_columns_stacking=””][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Fever[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Fever without a rash[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Fever with a rash[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][us_separator size=”small”][vc_row_inner columns_type=”” columns_reverse=”” ignore_columns_stacking=””][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Cold and Flu Symptoms[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Mild to Moderate Cold or Flu-like Symptoms like Sore Throat, Body Aches[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Severe Cold or Flu Symptoms including Trouble Breathing, Respiratory Infections[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][us_separator size=”small”][vc_row_inner columns_type=”” columns_reverse=”” ignore_columns_stacking=””][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Cuts and Scrapes[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Small Cuts and Scrapes That Might Require Stiches[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]

Deep Cuts or Scrapes that: Won’t Stop Bleeding
Bone, Cartilage and Other Tissue is Visible
Amputation of a Finger, Hand, Arm, Toe, Foot or Leg
Facial Lacerations

Superficial Burns
Moderate Pain Associated to Burns

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]2nd, 3rd, and 4th Degree Burns Where Deeper Tissue is Damaged[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][us_separator size=”small”][vc_row_inner columns_type=”” columns_reverse=”” ignore_columns_stacking=””][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Ear, Eye, Sinus Infections[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Mild Ear or Eye Infections[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]

Severe Ear or Eye Infections
Sinus Infections

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][us_separator size=”small”][vc_row_inner columns_type=”” columns_reverse=”” ignore_columns_stacking=””][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Asthma[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Mild to Moderate Asthma Symptoms or Attack[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Moderate to Severe Asthma Symptoms or Attack[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][us_separator size=”small”][vc_row_inner columns_type=”” columns_reverse=”” ignore_columns_stacking=””][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Urinary Tract Infections[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Mild Urinary Tract Infections[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Severe Urinary Tract Infections
Urinating Blood[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][us_separator size=”small”][vc_row_inner columns_type=”” columns_reverse=”” ignore_columns_stacking=””][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Insect or Animal Bites[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Small Bites that Might Require Stiches and a Tetanus Shot[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]

Deep Gashes from an Animal Bite that Might Require Surgery
All Human bites

Migraines
Cluster Headaches

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Any Eye Injury[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][us_separator size=”small”][vc_row_inner columns_type=”” columns_reverse=”” ignore_columns_stacking=””][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Poisoning[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]

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Chemical Poisoning
Snake Bites

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Vaginal Bleeding While Pregnant
Severe Vaginal Pain

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Chest Pains
Trouble Breathing
Shooting Pain Down the Arm
Loss of Consciousness

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Sudden Onset of Numbness in the Arms or Legs
Slurred Speech

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Any Injury to the Head, Back or Neck
Concussion
Loss of Consciousness, Fainting
Changes in Mood or Mental State

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Altus Emergency Centers Locations and Contact Information

[/vc_column_text][us_separator size=”small”][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle” columns_type=”” columns_reverse=”” ignore_columns_stacking=””][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][us_iconbox link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Faltusemergency.com%2Fbaytown-er%2F” title=”Baytown ER”][/us_iconbox][us_separator size=”small”][vc_column_text]1404 West Baker Road

Baytown, TX 77521

Phone: (281) 417-3294[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][us_iconbox link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Faltusemergency.com%2Flake-jackson-er%2F” title=”Lake Jackson ER”][/us_iconbox][us_separator size=”small”][vc_column_text]200 Oak Drive South

Lake Jackson, TX 77566

Phone: (832) 241-5680[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][us_separator][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle” columns_type=”” columns_reverse=”” ignore_columns_stacking=””][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][us_iconbox link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Faltusemergency.com%2Flumberton-er%2F” title=”Lumberton ER”][/us_iconbox][us_separator size=”small”][vc_column_text]137 North LHS Drive

Lumberton, TX 77657

Phone: (409) 227-9158[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][us_iconbox link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Faltusemergency.com%2Fwaxahachie-er%2F” title=”Waxahachie ER”][/us_iconbox][us_separator size=”small”][vc_column_text]1791 N. Highway 77

Waxahachie, TX 75165

Phone: (469) 732-3151[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][us_separator size=”small”][us_image image=”25279″ size=”full”][vc_column_text]Now that you understand when to visit the ER vs. Urgent Care, don’t hesitate. When in doubt, trust your gut and remember, if the condition is life-threatening, get to the nearest Altus Emergency Center as soon as possible.

Don’t put off going to the emergency room because you’re worried about the costs. We understand your concern but remember, insurance companies are obligated by law to cover emergency treatments. And if the price is still a concern, our Patient Advocate can help you negotiate your medical bills and make them easier to pay off.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]