Emergency Room vs. Urgent Care—What’s the Difference?

Both emergency rooms (ERs) and urgent care centers provide medical treatment, but they serve different purposes. ERs handle life-threatening emergencies, while urgent care centers treat non-life-threatening but immediate health concerns that require attention before a primary care visit.

When to go to the ER

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Severe head injuries, stroke symptoms, or loss of consciousness
• Uncontrolled bleeding or deep wounds
• Severe burns or broken bones piercing the skin

When urgent care is the better option

• Minor cuts, sprains, or suspected fractures that aren’t severe
• Cold, flu, or mild infections requiring quick treatment
• Rashes, allergic reactions, or mild asthma flare-ups
• Non-severe stomach pain, nausea, or dehydration

Why choosing the right care matters

• ER visits can be expensive and have long wait times—urgent care is typically faster and more affordable for non-emergency issues.
• Using urgent care for minor concerns frees up ER resources for critical, life-threatening cases.
• Medicare and insurance coverage may differ between ER and urgent care visits, impacting out-of-pocket costs.

How Solace can help

A Solace advocate can help determine where to seek care, find nearby urgent care centers, and clarify what your insurance covers. If an ER visit results in high bills or denied claims, an advocate can assist in navigating appeals and negotiating medical costs.