
Urgent care vs. the ER: How to know where to go
June 11, 2026
Visit the ER for serious illness or injuries when you need emergency care. Visit urgent care for minor injuries or illnesses that need same-day care.
Whether you need emergency care, urgent care or want to talk with a doctor online or in-person — you’ll find the care you need close to home in Tulsa and Bartlesville.


Whether you need emergency care, urgent care or want to talk with a doctor online or in-person — you’ll find the care you need close to home in Tulsa and Bartlesville.
When you need care now, knowing where to go matters. At Ascension St. John in Tulsa and Bartlesville, Oklahoma, you can find urgent care near you, 24/7 emergency room care or schedule a primary care doctor visit.
Our care teams help you choose the right level of care based on your symptoms, with convenient locations and online options available.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go directly to the ER.
The symptoms of an aneurysm may look like other health conditions or problems. Some aneurysms can cause pain in the abdomen, chest, lower back or groin. Severe abdominal or back pain may mean the aneurysm is about to rupture. You may also experience a pulsing feeling, like a heartbeat, in the abdomen, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbance or loss of consciousness.
If you're feeling the symptoms of a heart attack, such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, nausea, or pain in the neck, jaw or arms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot that develops in a blood vessel in the body (often in the leg). It then travels to a lung artery, where it suddenly blocks blood flow.
Common symptoms include:
A stroke can result if the narrowing of the carotid arteries is severe enough that blood flow is blocked. It can block blood flow to the brain if a piece of plaque breaks off.
It’s important to remember the signs of a stroke with the acronym “B.E. F.A.S.T.”
Getting the right care at the right time can make a difference in an emergency. When you need immediate medical attention, our emergency rooms are open 24/7. Doctors, nurses and care teams in our ERs work quickly to understand your condition and deliver the care that’s right for you and your family.
When you or a loved one have symptoms of a stroke, every second counts. Ascension St. John Medical Center is designated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by the Joint Commission — meaning we deliver 24/7 advanced stroke care. We also have Tulsa’s first Level 1 trauma center. And, we connect you with specialists for follow-up care and rehabilitation.
Call 911 or go to the nearest ER if you or a family member experience:
For non-emergency needs, urgent care offers fast, convenient care, on your schedule. Doctors and care teams at our urgent care clinics offer in-person and online visits for children and adults.
Whether you visit in person or see a doctor virtually from the comfort of your home, you’ll get the same compassionate care.
Consider urgent care for:
For routine care and ongoing health needs, your primary care team is the best place to start. You can go online to schedule or ask about same-day, next-day or online visits. Primary care doctors start with a conversation to understand your symptoms and provide treatment for minor illnesses and injuries. If you need more advanced care, they connect you with specialists and other services close to home.
Talk with your primary care doctor about:
Get the care you need — wherever you are. Connect by video with a doctor for primary care needs, follow-ups, everyday illnesses and unexpected concerns. Virtual care makes it easy to get answers, treatment and next steps without leaving home.
Care that fits your needs
From ongoing primary care to quick treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, virtual visits make it easier to get care when and where you need it.
Call 918-268-7729 to find out if virtual care is available for you.
When you choose Ascension St. John, you have an entire team dedicated to your care. If you need more care, we will connect you to experienced cardiologists, heart surgeons, neurologists, orthopedic specialists, oncology specialists, and more for the right follow-up care. Your care team also helps you manage your medications and sends prescriptions to Ascension Rx or your preferred pharmacy. And you will be connected to imaging and lab services, close to home.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or dial 911. Signs or symptoms of an acute emergency may include shortness of breath, chest pain, open fracture, fainting, severe bleeding, head injury or other major trauma, one-sided weakness or numbness, loss of consciousness or fainting, severe abdominal pain, or bites or stings.