The Differences Between Urgent Care & the Emergency Room

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you need prompt care and can’t wait for a doctor’s appointment? Many people will often go to the Emergency Room in these cases, however, in most cases, a trip to the emergency room isn’t necessary. WesTex Urgent Care is here to explain the difference between urgent care and emergency rooms and when you should go to each. 

Urgent Care 

Urgent care is used to treat non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries that need immediate attention. They are also available to treat minor sickness, or cuts. Urgent care centers accept walk-ins, so you will not need to wait for an appointment like you would at your doctor’s office. As we all know in the Permian Basin, even with an appointment you could be waiting a couple hours to be seen. Urgent care can also be used if you do not have a primary care doctor at the time, which commonly happens if you become ill when you are visiting another city. Some conditions urgent cares commonly treat include respiratory illness, sprains, cough, fever, flu symptoms, UTI’s, lacerations, head injuries, and much more. Urgent care's fill the gap between waiting 2 weeks or more for an appointment or preventing a life threating condition.

Emergency Room   

You should go to the emergency room when the symptoms you are experiencing could be life-threatening and require immediate treatment . Signs you should go to the emergency room include severe chest pain, broken bones, concussion, signs of a stroke, extreme burns, and more. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important you call 911 or go to the emergency room, rather than urgent care.  

If you are experiencing non-life-threatening symptoms and need prompt care, turn to WesTex Urgent Care. Our walk-in clinics in Midland and Odessa, can provide you with the immediate care you need to start feeling better. We have 3 convenient locations throughout Midland and Odessa, TX. Contact us today to join our wait list, walk in, or you can use our Virtual Visits where you can see a local provider!