Deciding when to go to the emergency room (ER) or urgent care depends on the severity of your condition. Here is a guideline to help you:

Emergency Room (ER):

Life-Threatening Conditions: If you are experiencing symptoms that could result in permanent disability, including:

• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe bleeding
• Sudden weakness or numbness
• Loss of consciousness
• Major trauma – severe burns, deep cuts, broken bones protruding through the skin, head injuries, a major accident
• Specialized care: Conditions such as s stroke or heart attack that require immediate access to specialized care or equipment

Primary Care (or Urgent Care – nights/weekends/holidays):

If you need assistance, contact your primary care physician for guidance.

Non-Emergency Situations: If your condition is not life-threatening, but requires prompt attention, including:

• Minor injuries
• Mild to moderate illnesses (like fever, flu or minor infections)
• Minor fractures

Urgent care wait times are typically shorter than ER wait times. Copays at urgent care clinics are usually about the same or slightly higher than primary care copays.

While urgent care centers can handle many medical issues, they may not have the same level of equipment or specialists as an ER. For complex or severe conditions, the ER may still be necessary.

Ultimately, if you’re unsure whether to go to the ER or urgent care, it’s best to use caution and choose the option that ensures your health and safety. If in doubt, you can call your primary care physician or the CommunityCare 24-Hour Nurseline at 1-800-777-4890.

Quick Reference Guide for Care
Condition/Symptom	ER	Urgent	PCP
Chest pain/heart attack symptoms
Severe difficulty breathing
Severe burns or bleeding
Signs of stroke
Severe trauma/injuries
Head or spinal injuries
Moderate flu or cold symptoms *
Minor fractures
Sprains and strains *
Infections (ear, skin, UTI) *
Rashes and minor allergic reactions *
Chronic condition management
Routine check-ups and physical exams
Medication refills
Preventive care/vaccinations
Mental health initial assessment

* May contact PCP for guidance.