The Emergency Room was designed to provide fast, life-or-limb-saving care. Many people, however, use the ER as a place to receive urgent care without realizing it. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s better to be safe and go to the closest ER. Continue reading to see when you should go to an ER and when to go to an urgent care center.
Many people are confused about when to call 911. It’s better to be safe than sorry. If you are in doubt, please call 911. Do not drive if you are having really bad chest pain or bleeding, if you feel like you might faint or if it is hard to see. For certain medical emergencies, such as a heart attack or stroke, taking an ambulance is safer because paramedics can deliver life-saving care on the way to the hospital.
If your symptoms come on gradually or you already know the diagnosis, such as a urinary tract infection, you may want to try to get a same day appointment with your CommWell Health provider and health care team. While urgent care clinics are always available, your CommWell Health provider and health care team will have a better picture of your overall health for a more accurate diagnosis. You can call us day or night to answer your questions.
We can take care of your urgent needs by calling for a same day appointment. Evening and weekend hours and walk-ins welcome. Please see our locations page for more information on our facilities, services offered.
Whether you’re going to urgent care, the ER or your CommWell Health center, put your medications including over-the-counter medications and vitamins in a bag and bring them with you. Many medications, and even vitamins, can interact with the treatment options your doctor plans to use. Keep a list of any allergies, especially to medications with you. Also make sure you tell your doctor about any previous invasive medical procedures and surgeries, the dates they were done and the names of the doctor or surgeon who treated you.