Remember, if you or someone you know may be having a life-threatening medical emergency, call 911.
How to Know Where to Go
No one plans for a medical emergency, but when the unexpected happens it’s important to know what level of care you need. No one wants to go to the emergency room, so some people will choose to go to an urgent care clinic instead. While this may seem like a good idea, urgent care centers are not equipped to deal with the same kinds of conditions emergency rooms are capable of treating.
Understanding the difference between an urgent care center and an ER can help get you or your loved one the right treatment fast.
ER vs Urgent Care
CareNow Can Help With:
- Allergies
- Allergic reactions
- Flu
- Minor burns
- Muscle sprains
- Strep throat
- Splinter removal
ER Can Help With:
- Broken bones
- Chest pain
- Deep lacerations
- Head injuries, including concussions
- Heart palpitations
- Signs of a stroke
- Serious burns
- Sudden and severe back pain
- Thoughts of suicide or self-inflicted harm
Urgent Care Centers
Urgent care clinics, sometimes called walk-in clinics, are excellent resources for treating sudden conditions from the common cold to ankle sprains. TriStar Health has many urgent care locations across Middle Tennessee through CareNow. These centers treat a wide range of conditions.
For more information, visit CareNow.com.
When to Go to the ER
When an urgent care clinic does not offer the level of healthcare services you need, going to nearest ER is always your best choice. If your condition is serious, you need the attention of experienced board-certified physicians and ER nurses only found at an emergency room. If you’re in doubt about your or a loved one’s condition, always go to the closest emergency room.
When you are having a medical emergency, you can trust the nurses, doctors and staff at TriStar Health’s emergency rooms to care for you.