How to Know If You Need the ER or a Walk In Clinic

When facing a life-threatening emergency, it is best to go to the emergency room (ER). However, if you have a minor illness, injury, or other condition that requires fast, convenient, and affordable care, head to a walk in clinic.

In some cases, choosing the best place for care can be confusing. Read on to learn more about when you need to go to an ER vs. when you need a walk in clinic.

When you need an emergency room

Go to an emergency room if you’re experiencing an illness, injury, or other condition that:

• Is emergent, life-threatening, severe, or complex.
• Requires fast or advanced treatment available only in a hospital setting.
• It may require additional testing, treatment, or monitoring.
• It would benefit from easy access to many providers, technology, and services.

 Examples of these conditions include:

• Wheezing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, choking, or not breathing
• Severe chest pressure or pain.
• Sudden numbness, weakness, or loss of the ability to speak, walk, see or move.
• Bleeding that cannot be stopped, severe burns, or other deep wounds.
• Severe headache or head injury.
• Injury to the neck or spine.
• Convulsions or seizures.
• Broken bones, especially displaced or open wound fractures.
• Seizures that last three to five minutes.
• Severe or intense localized pain.
• Sudden weakness, drooping on one side of the body, or dizziness or weakness that doesn’t go away.
• Coughing, throwing up blood, or vomiting/loose stools that do not stop.

When you need a walk in clinic

In most other cases, a walk in clinic can be a convenient, affordable, and accessible place to get care. walk in clinics are designed to treat illnesses, injuries, or other conditions that are minor, simple, not life-threatening, and don’t require the rapid or advanced treatments or services an ER provides.

Examples of these conditions include:

• Congestion or sinus infection.
• Cough or bronchitis.
• Earache or ear infection.
• Sore throat or strep throat.
• Low-grade fever.
• Nausea and/or vomiting.
• Minor broken bones.
• Minor cuts or lacerations.
• Bites or stings.
• Minor burns.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• Eye irritation, itching, or pink eye.
• COVID-19 symptoms.

The bottom line

Remember that the ER should be reserved for life-threatening, severe, and complex conditions that require fast or advanced treatment. For everything else, a walk in clinic can provide quality and affordable care. Plus, you won’t have to wait long for an appointment or treatment.

If you’re ever uncertain about where to go for medical care, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor or call 911. With the appropriate help, you can get back on the path to health and well-being.