Should the pain in your chest or the cut on your hand send you to the emergency room or to an urgent care facility. Sometimes its difficult to be sure. We are making the decision a bit easier to make by providing more of a description when deciding where to go to get the care you need.
What is Considered an Emergency?
In general, an emergency condition is one that can permanently impair or endanger your life. Dial 911 immediately for any medical problem that appears life-threatening. Some examples of conditions that need emergency medical care include:
Compound fracture, which involves a bone protruding through the skin
Convulsions, seizures, or loss of consciousness
Deep knife wounds or gunshot wounds
Fever in a newborn less than 3 months old
Heavy, uncontrollable bleeding
Moderate to severe burns
Poisoning
Pregnancy-related problems
Serious head, neck, or back injury
Severe abdominal pain
Severe chest pain or difficulty breathing
Heart attack symptoms, such as chest pain that lasts longer than two minutes
Stroke symptoms, such as vision loss, sudden numbness, weakness, slurred speech, or confusion
Suicidal or homicidal feelings
What is Considered an Urgent Medical Condition?
Urgent medical conditions are ones that are not considered emergencies but still require care within 24 hours. Some examples include:
Accidents and falls
Cuts that don’t involve much blood but might need stitches
Breathing difficulties, such as mild to moderate asthma
Diagnostic services, including X-rays and laboratory tests
Eye irritation and redness
Fever or flu
Minor broken bones and fractures in fingers or toes
Moderate back problems
Severe sore throat or cough
Skin rashes and infections
Sprains and strains
Urinary tract infections
Vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration
A serious head injury or a heart attack are life-threatening and should be treated in an emergency department. If it can not wait until the next day but is not life-threatening should be treated in an urgent care facility. MD Immediate Care provides quality health care when your primary care physician is closed and ensure you receive personalized attention nights, weekends and most holidays.
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