ER Vs. Urgent Care

When to Go to Urgent Care Vs. the ER

Sacred Heart ER accepts patients whether they no matter their healthcare needs, but doctors are commonly asked what the difference is between an ER or urgent care and what warrants a trip to either destination.

Houston Emergency Room vs Urgent Care

The answer of where to go depends on the urgency of your ailment: If the medical problem threatens life or limb, then you should go to the nearest emergency department or call 9-1-1 for immediate medical attention. An urgent care clinic is not equipped to handle life-threatening illnesses or injuries. If your medical problem cannot wait or you do not wish to wait to see your primary care doctor, you can go to a walk-in urgent care facility, instead.

Medical Emergencies Where Requiring Emergency Room Treatment

Examples of a medical emergency in which you should go to the emergency room rather than an urgent care clinic include: 

  • Chest pain 
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Severe asthma attacks
  • Bleeding that won’t stop
  • Intense head pain
  • Head trauma
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Dizziness or faintness
  • Severe nausea or vomiting
  • Stroke symptoms
  • Broken bones that protrude through the skin
  • Severe lacerations or open wounds
  • High fever
  • Severe back pain
  • Car accident injuries
  • Heat stroke/exhaustion

Conditions Best Treated at Urgent Care

Other conditions that are less severe in nature can be treated at a walk-in urgent care facility. These include: 

  • Abrasions
  • Bronchitis
  • Foreign body removal
  • Sprains
  • Abscesses
  • Burns
  • Fractures
  • Splinters
  • Aches
  • Viral infections
  • Colds and the flu
  • Sports injuries
  • Allergies
  • Cuts and lacerations
  • Stomach upset
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Animal bites
  • Gynecological ailments
  • Asthma
  • Ear infections
  • Pneumonia
  • Backache
  • Ear injury
  • Rashes
  • Bacterial infection
  • Falls
  • Sore throat/strep

Walk-In Patients Welcome at Sacred Heart ER in Houston

If you’re in need of emergency medical care, don’t hesitate to walk-in at Sacred Heart ER in Houston. We are open 24/7 & provide a variety of emergency room services. Read our patient’s reviews and have your insurance questions answered right here. Contact us with any additional questions.