Knowing where to go for care can help you save time and avoid unnecessary stress. Here is a simple guide.

Go to Urgent Care when:

• You have a minor illness
  
• You have a small injury (cut, sprain, mild pain)
  
• You need care but it is not life-threatening
  
• You cannot see your doctor the same day
  
  

Urgent care usually has shorter wait times and lower costs than an ER.

Go to the Emergency Room when:

• You have chest pain
  
• You have trouble breathing
  
• You have severe bleeding
  
• You think you might be having a stroke
  
• You are in a life-threatening situation
  
  

Emergency rooms are open 24/7 and treat serious or life-threatening problems.

If you are unsure

When in doubt, call your PCP or your health plan’s nurse advice line.
If it feels like an emergency, call 911 right away.