Emergency Room or Urgent Care: Where Should You Go?
Jackson Memorial Hospital opened its newly expanded emergency room, making history in Miami-Dade County. It’s important to understand when to seek care in the emergency room versus an urgent care center.
When Should You Visit the Emergency Room?
The emergency room is the right choice for severe or potentially lifethreatening symptoms, including:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Stroke symptoms
- Severe abdominal pain
- Heavy bleeding
- Major fractures
- Head injuries with confusion or loss of consciousness
- Seizures or fainting
These cases require the advanced imaging, specialists, and critical care resources that are available in the emergency room.
When Should You Visit an Urgent Care Center?
Urgent care centers are better suited for nonemergency issues that still need quick attention, such as:
- Minor cuts, sprains, or burns
- Cold, flu, or COVIDlike symptoms
- Ear infections, sore throats, and sinus pain
- Mild allergic reactions
- Rashes
- Urinary symptoms
- Fevers in otherwise healthy adults
These centers typically offer shorter wait times and lower costs.
An Easy Way to Remember
If symptoms are severe, sudden, or frightening, the emergency room is the safest choice. If the issue is minor but can’t wait, urgent care is the way to go.
Click here to learn more about Jackson Memorial’s new emergency room.
To learn about our UHealth Jackson Urgent Care centers or to make an appointment, visit JacksonUrgentCare.com.