When Should You Go to Urgent Care vs. the Emergency Room?

Are you unsure whether you need an urgent care appointment or an ER visit? Urgent care is the right choice for most non-life-threatening issues, such as a minor illness, mild fever, or injury that needs attention today. The emergency room is best for sudden, serious, or potentially dangerous symptoms that require hospital-level care. 

At Living Healthy Body and Mind in Columbia, SC, we help you compare urgent care vs ER below. Call now to book an appointment and meet with our team. We're proud to offer fast, accessible urgent care visits and telehealth appointments to help you feel better as soon as possible. 

What's the difference between urgent care vs ER? 

The answer comes down to urgency versus emergency. Urgent care visits handle same-day concerns that are important but not severe. This includes flu symptoms, sore throats, rashes, or sprained ankles. 

However, patients should also understand when to go to the ER. The ER is designed for life-threatening conditions that need immediate intervention. That means symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of stroke. If you're experiencing something serious or sudden, go to the ER or call 911 right away. 

But for almost everything else, especially when you're dealing with a minor illness, urgent care is often faster, more affordable, and just as effective. 

What happens during an urgent care visit? 

An urgent care visit starts with a quick check-in. You'll talk to one of our providers about your symptoms, receive an exam, and get testing or treatment as needed. Most visits are completed in under an hour. 

Common reasons people choose urgent care include:  

• Cold or flu symptoms 
• Earaches, sore throat, or sinus pressure 
• Minor cuts, burns, or sprains 
• Skin rashes or mild allergic reactions 
• Urinary discomfort or early signs of infection 

At Living Healthy Body and Mind in Columbia, SC, we also make it easy to follow up after your urgent care visit if symptoms change or you have questions about recovery. 

Try a telehealth appointment first 

If you're unsure whether you need to come in, a telehealth appointment can help you decide. Virtual visits are perfect for evaluating mild symptoms, answering questions, or determining if an in-person exam is necessary. You'll speak directly with a provider who can offer guidance, recommend care, or call in a prescription if appropriate. 

Telehealth is especially useful for cold symptoms or medication refills. Plus, it saves you time when you're not feeling your best. 

When to go to the ER 

Some symptoms should never be managed outside the emergency room. Seek immediate care if you're experiencing:  

• Chest pain or shortness of breath 
• Heavy bleeding or deep wounds 
• Sudden confusion, slurred speech, or numbness 
• Loss of consciousness 

These are signs of a possible emergency, and waiting could be dangerous. When in doubt, it's always safest to head to the ER or call 911. 

Get the care you need without the wait 

Knowing how to compare urgent care vs ER can help you make confident, informed decisions. At Living Healthy Body and Mind in Columbia, SC, we offer urgent care visits and telehealth appointments for a wide range of non-emergency concerns. Whether you're dealing with a minor illness, looking for fast treatment, or simply unsure where to start, our team is here to guide you. 

Schedule your urgent care visit or request a telehealth appointment today.