Urgent Care Center or ER: How To Decide

When you or someone you’re with suffers an injury, it’s important to know whether to make a trip to an urgent care facility or the emergency room. For non-life-threatening bumps, burns and bruises, head to your closest urgent care center for an evaluation. These centers typically are faster and less expensive than a visit to the ER. But for critical situations, don’t hesitate to go to the emergency room. Accidents are inevitable, so take the guesswork out of where to seek treatment by referencing this list.

Reasons to visit an urgent care facility:

• Pulled or strained muscles

• Minor burns

• Digital X-rays for sprains or fractures

• Eye abrasions

• Sutures for minor lacerations

• Minor cuts and bruises

• Bites

• Removal of foreign objects

• Auto accident injuries

• Dehydration (IV treatment)