Patients are often confused as to whether to go to a hospital emergency room or go to an urgent care clinic for various issues.  Here is a list of some issues that may arise and where to go: Emergency Room: 1)      Allergy – if severe and having trouble breathing 2)     Asthma – if severe and the patient might need to be admitted to the hospital 3)     Chest Pain 4)     Fractures with bone sticking out of the skin or visible deformity of the area 5)     Confusion 6)     Fainting 7)     Head injury that is severe – severe with loss of consciousness 8)     Headache that is the worst of your life 9)     High fevers in babies younger than 1 year of age 10)  Ingestion of obstructive objects – such as swallowing a coin 11)  Ingestion of poisons 12)  Major head injury 13)  Heart palpitations 14)  Pneumonia 15)  Seizures 16)  Severe abdominal pain 17)  Severe burns 18)  Severe headache 19)  Shock 20)  Significant trauma/injury 21)  Snake bite 22)  Unconscious or catatonic state 23)  Uncontrollable bleeding Urgent Care: 1)      Allergies – if it’s a rash, hives or ear/nose/throat symptoms 2)     Ankle sprain 3)     Asthma attack (minor) 4)     Back strain 5)     Bronchitis 6)     Colds, flu, fever 7)     Cough 8)     Dehydration 9)     Dizziness 10)  Ear infections 11)  Head injury with no loss of consciousness and are acting normally after the accident without neurological/behavioral changes such as numbness, tingling, weakness, vomiting,  trouble speaking or balance problems.  In young children, they should be acting normal according to parents without increased sleepiness or irritability 12)  Ingrown toenail 13)  Insect bites 14)  Migraines 15)  Minor burns 16)  Minor cuts – we can do stiches in the urgent care 17)  Nausea 18)  Pink eye 19)  Rash 20)  Simple fracture – without visible deformity to the involved area 21)  Sinus infection 22)  Sore throat 23)  Sprains/strains 24)  Stitches 25)  Urinary tract infections Remember, in an emergency, call 9-1-1 I hope that you have found this information useful.  Wishing you the best of health,

Scott Rennie, D.O.
Board Certified in Obesity Medicine and Family Medicine

This blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute individual medical advice. Always consult your own physician before making changes to your health, medications, or treatment plan.