HPN Members
ER or Urgent Care? How to Know Where to Go.
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Discover the difference between
urgent and emergency care.
Let’s say you wake up with an ache in your stomach. Could it be the spicy food you had for dinner? Or is it something more? Maybe it’s the early signs of a stomach bug, or even appendicitis?
Or maybe you are baking cookies and accidentally grab onto the pan that just came out of the oven — with your bare hand. It’s red, hurts, and is starting to swell, but is it going to need more care than cool water and a bandage?
What if your child is playing baseball on a Saturday afternoon. He heads for Homeplate at full speed and slides into home. He’s safe (whew!) but is having trouble standing. His ankle is already puffing up and he can’t put any pressure on it. Is it just a sprain, or worse?
Life is full of moments like this, and of course, they never seem to happen when your primary care provider is available. When you need care, it’s important to know you have options. Should you go to the emergency room or a nearby urgent care center? The right place to go for care depends on your condition and the level of care you need.
If you have a life-threatening situation, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away. If it’s not an emergency, comparing care options could help you save time, money and frustration.
What is the difference between an urgent care center and the emergency room?
Urgent Care Center
An urgent care center treats conditions that are more immediate but non-life threatening. These conditions may include:
- Ear infections
- Colds and other respiratory problems including coughs and congestion
- Sprains and strains
- Most abdominal pain
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Most cuts, burns, fevers and back pain
If you’re an HPN member and need urgent care, you may have a variety of urgent care options, including 24/7 locations, specialty urgent care and same-day care at home. Visit your plan’s website to learn more.
Getting care at an urgent care center is a great way to get help if your primary care provider isn’t available. Many urgent care centers have walk-in access, as well as online check-in to reserve your spot in line.
Emergency Room
Emergency Rooms are available around the clock for the sudden onset of life-threatening conditions like:
- Serious burns
- Major trauma
- Poisoning
- Serious breathing difficulties
- Heavy bleeding
- Severe chest pain
- Sudden paralysis
Knowing the differences between urgent care and emergency care can help you better understand where to go when your next medical need occurs.
