ER vs Urgent Care: Which is right for you?

 It’s 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, your doctor’s office is closed, and you need medical care. Where do you go – an emergency department or an urgent care center? The answer is: It depend

The first step should be to contact your primary care physician, who may advise you to come to the office, go to an urgent care center or visit the emergency department, depending on the symptoms you are experiencing. If your physician’s office is not open, an urgent care center or emergency department can provide the care you need. Less serious symptoms can usually be treated effectively at an urgent care center. For more serious symptoms, or sudden severe injuries or illnesses, a hospital emergency department will likely be the best option, providing the necessary level of care.