The Crucial Signs You Need the ER (Not Urgent Care)

There are plenty of situations where you might wonder whether your symptoms call for a trip to the emergency room or if urgent care will suffice. When you’re experiencing multiple symptoms at once, it can be especially difficult to decide where to go at the moment. So, what exactly is the difference between the ER and urgent care? It’s a common source of “confusion,” says Dr. Shawn Evans, an emergency medicine physician at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, California.

“Recognizing the differences between ‘emergency’ and ‘urgent’ care can be confusing because both terms imply there is a medical need that needs to be addressed quickly,” Evans told Scripps in 2023. “However, there are distinct differences between hospital emergency rooms, traditional urgent care centers or walk-in clinics, including the level of care that can be provided at each.”

When should you go to the Emergency Room?

According to Evans, the right decision depends on the severity of your symptoms and the level of care you need. Hospital emergency departments are open 24/7 and are equipped to handle the most serious and life-threatening medical conditions. They provide advanced diagnostic tools, surgical services, and access to specialists that urgent care centers simply can’t offer.

Certain symptoms and conditions require immediate evaluation in the ER, including:

Chest pain or difficulty breathing

Weakness or numbness on one side of the body

Slurred speech

Sudden confusion or loss of consciousness

Serious burns

Head or eye injuries

Suspected concussion

Broken bones or dislocated joints

Seizures

High fever with a rash

These signs may indicate a medical emergency that demands rapid intervention, says Evans.

RELATED CONTENT: Estrogen Blockers Could Reduce Breast Cancer Mortality, According To New Research

When should you go to Urgent Care?

Urgent care clinics are ideal for non-life-threatening conditions that still require prompt attention. They’re a convenient option when your primary care provider isn’t available and the issue can’t wait for a regular appointment, New York Presbyterian notes. 

Urgent care centers often have on-site diagnostic tools like X-rays and lab testing, allowing them to treat more complex minor issues than standard walk-in clinics. They also help reduce overcrowding in emergency rooms by managing less severe cases.

Consider urgent care for conditions such as:

Fever without a rash

Mild to moderate abdominal pain

Vomiting or diarrhea

Flu or COVID-19 symptoms

Urinary tract infections

Mild respiratory infections like bronchitis or pneumonia

Wheezing or shortness of breath (not severe)

Dehydration

Seasonal allergies

If your condition is something you’d normally bring up with your primary care provider but need help sooner, urgent care is likely the right choice. 

Don’t ignore subtle emergency symptoms—or let cost stop you.

Seeking medical attention—no matter your symptoms—is key to preventing something that could turn into a life-threatening issue. For example, you might feel bad if you take a trip to the emergency room or urgent care, only to find out your symptoms are non-threatening or mild, but Dr. Arjun Venkatesh, a professor at Yale School of Medicine told Time during a May 15 interview that it’s important for people to let go of that guilt fast.  

Dr. Venkatesh explained that while crushing chest pain is a well-known sign of a heart attack, more subtle pressure or discomfort could signal the same condition. However, in cases like heart attacks or strokes, every minute counts—delays in getting to the emergency room can mean the difference between qualifying for time-sensitive, potentially life-saving treatments and missing that critical window.

Still, many people hesitate to seek emergency care because of the high cost. According to Mira, the average emergency room visit cost $2,715 in 2025, based on an analysis of 2.5 billion insurance claims adjusted for inflation. Reports from patients on platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) suggest that some bills are even higher—frequently exceeding $3,000.

Still, fear of cost should never stop someone from seeking emergency medical attention. It could be a life-threatening decision, the doctor warned. Importantly, federal law offers protection. The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) guarantees that anyone who shows up at an emergency department has the right to receive care—regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. 

“If somebody feels like they’re having an emergency and needs care in an emergency department, they should be able to access that care,” Dr. Venkatesh added. “I feel terrible when there’s a patient who has a stroke or is having a heart attack and because of fear doesn’t get to us as quickly as they should or doesn’t seek care,” he says. “I worry that there are so many fears out there that keep people from getting the care they need, when they need it.”

RELATED CONTENT: 7 Essential Questions That Could Save Your Life — What to Ask Your Doctor And Why It Matters