Which one?
Where should I go?
Call 911
- Chest pain or pressure, especially with sweating or shortness of breath
- Stroke signs: face droop, arm weakness, speech trouble, sudden vision loss
- Severe trouble breathing, choking, or blue lips
- Unresponsive, seizure that will not stop, or major trauma
- Thoughts of suicide with a plan: call 911, or call or text 988
An ER (hospital or freestanding) today
- Severe belly pain
- Head injury on a blood thinner
- Fever in a baby younger than 3 months
- Sudden severe testicle pain or swelling
- Vomiting blood, or black stool
- A broken bone that looks out of place
If you may need surgery or a specialist, a hospital ER avoids a transfer.
Urgent care or your doctor
- Sprains and simple cuts
- Cold, flu, sore throat, ear pain
- Urinary symptoms without fever or back pain
- Mild rashes
- Prescription refills
Choosing urgent care for these can save you hundreds of dollars or more.
When in doubt, get seen. I would rather see you for "nothing" than miss something serious. Check wait times near you.