Do I need to book a doctor's appointment or go to the ER?

Knowing where to go for medical attention can be confusing. This guide explains when to visit the emergency room (ER), urgent care clinic, or primary care health center.

When someone has an accident or falls ill, they want to get better as soon as possible. It is tempting to head straight to the ER, but if it is not an emergency, it may not be the best move.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were over 155 million visits to ERs in 2022. That works out as 47 visits per 100 people. Of those, only around 21 million people were admitted to the hospital or critical care unit.

More people in ERs mean longer wait times. High volumes can also affect the care of people with life threatening conditions. Visiting an ER can also cost more.

This article explains when a person may need emergency care and when it might be better to go to an urgent care or primary care clinic for assessment. It also compares the costs involved.

ERs are open 24 hours and provide care for severe illnesses and injuries. If a person has a life threatening emergency or is in danger of permanent disability, call 911. This is likely the quickest way to get the emergency care required.

Calling an ambulance does not mean a person will be a high priority when they arrive at the hospital. Medical staff will assess the individual within a short time of arrival and attend to the most urgent cases first.

A visit to the ER often costs more than an urgent care center or primary care clinic. It may involve more extensive diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and other imaging tests, blood tests, and electrocardiograms.

Health insurers may not cover the cost of ER treatment if a person does not strictly need it.

Urgent care is intended for health conditions that are not life threatening but require a same-day appointment. Urgent care centers are typically open on weekends and holidays and at other times when primary care health centers are closed.

A person can call their primary care doctor first to see if they have walk-in or same-day appointments. Visiting a primary care doctor makes monitoring chronic health conditions and arranging follow-up visits easier.

Although urgent care clinics get busy, wait times are usually shorter than in the ER. Insurance companies charge similar co-pays for urgent care and primary care.

The services that urgent care centers offer can vary. Some employ doctors and have the ability to order lab and imaging tests immediately. Others are only equipped to handle minor illnesses and may redirect people elsewhere to get the necessary care .

When a person has nonurgent symptoms, it is best to make an in-person or telehealth appointment with a primary care health professional.

If a person requires a same-day appointment and the online booking portal appears full, call the doctor’s office directly. There may be same-day appointments available for people who really need them. If none are available, the doctor’s office may recommend visiting urgent care.

Telehealth appointments allow a person to stay in their own home and reduce the risk of spreading infectious illnesses. In-person appointments may enable doctors to assess a person’s health more thoroughly.

If a person’s health condition is an emergency, they should always visit the ER. However, this is the most costly option.

Visiting the ER with a minor issue could cost significantly more than visiting an urgent care center or primary health facility. If it does not meet an insurance company’s criteria for an emergency, they are unlikely to pay out.

Visiting a primary health center is likely the most affordable option, but costs depend on the necessary tests and treatments, and the copay a person must pay.

Another option for people who do not need emergency care is to visit a pharmacy or retail walk-in clinic, which often have an integrated pharmacy and do not require an appointment.

Walk-in clinics are typically staffed by advanced nurse practitioners who can prescribe medications.

These clinics can help with common, less serious issues, such as minor injuries, respiratory infections, and certain vaccinations, but doctors should monitor chronic conditions.

Before you need medical treatment, find out what your insurance company will pay for and where to go for help. Keep the following numbers on your phone or another easily accessible place.

When a person falls ill or has an injury, they must visit the ER if their condition is life threatening or they risk permanent disability.

If their symptoms are less serious, it is better to visit an urgent care or primary care center. These often cost less, offer same-day appointments, and may have shorter waiting times than ERs.

This article offers general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

If you experience severe or worsening symptoms, seek immediate care from a healthcare professional or call 911.