When to Use Urgent Care vs Emergency Department

Go to Urgent Care for:

A condition that requires immediate care but is not life-threatening

• Common sprain
• Earache
• Cold and flu
• Sore throat
• Abrasion and cut requiring stitches
• Urinary tract infection
• Mild asthma
• Rash without fever
• Broken bone with intact skin and no obvious need to reset bone

Go to an Emergency Department for:

A condition that is life- or limb-threatening

• Chest pain
• Facial drooping
• Head and eye injuries
• Sudden numbness or weakness in arm or leg
• Uncontrolled bleeding and severe cuts
• Vaginal bleeding with pregnancy
• Coughing or vomiting blood
• Sudden shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Rash with fever
• Major fracture that breaks the skin or needs to be reset