Choosing where to turn for care in a scary and sudden medical situation can be confusing.
Are your fever and cough due to theflu, or do you have pneumonia, which could require hospitalization?
Here, experts explain the purpose of urgent care, plus when to go there vs. the emergency room.
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Urgent care is for minornot majormedical issues.
The difference between urgent and emergency care boils down to what constitutes a medicalemergency.
A doctor will usually see you more quickly at urgent care.
Were going to go ahead and emphasize that nonemergency bit.
They do typically stay open later than doctors offices, though.
Urgent care centers generally cost less than emergency rooms.
Of course, what youll pay will depend on yourinsurance, but urgent care is often much cheaper.
Here are five signs you should consider going to urgent care.
Remember, though, that you should always follow your gut.
With that in mind, here are five general signs that urgent care may be able to help you.
Urgent care is likely your best option here.
you could usually treat acold or fluat home.
The same goes for chest congestion, headache, stuffy nose, and rashes.
Chest pain is a tough one, Dr. Nadler says.
After all, even otherwise healthy people can haveunexpected heart attacks.
However, dont rely on urgent care as a replacement for preventive care.
It should be a complement to your normal preventive care when necessary, not a substitute.
Here are five signs you should head for the emergency room instead.
Again, these are general.
If you think you need emergency care for something that isnt on this list, seek it.
Severe shortness of breath can also be a sign of a cardiovascular issue such as aheart attack.
Chest discomfort on the left side, which couldsignal a heart attack, generally deserves prompt medical attention.
This discomfort can be mild or intense, persistent or intermittent.
If youre experiencing any of these, go to the emergency room or call 911.
These are all signs of a stroke, in which case youll need emergency care and should call 911.
These issues require immediate attention because they can lead to complications if left untreated.
Dont put off going to urgent care or the emergency room because youre worried about the costs.
Health care can be exorbitantly expensive in this country, so that concern is absolutely valid.
But there are ways tonegotiate high medical bills and make it easier to pay them off.
If youre worried about your healthand especially if you think your life depends on itseek the care.
