Urgent Care, ER or Orthopedic Injury Clinic: Where To Go For Care

June 28, 2020

When serious injury or illness occurs, many people head straight to an emergency room. But that may not be the best choice for your condition – or your wallet.

An estimated 13 percent to 27 percent of emergency department visits in the United States could be managed instead in physician offices, clinics and urgent care centers, at a savings of $4.4 billion annually.

Read on to learn about the differences among these three types of immediate care facilities.

What Is an Urgent Care?

An urgent care provides quick, convenient and affordable healthcare. Staffed by board-certified medical providers, they are open every day, including nights and weekends. Appointments are not necessary, but you can reserve online to reduce wait times.

An urgent care can handle non-life-threatening illnesses and minor injuries for adults and children – at significant cost-savings when compared to a visit to the emergency room. On-site services include X-ray and lab.

Some of the illnesses and injuries treated at an urgent care include:

Respiratory illnesses, such as a sinus infection
Sore or strep throat
Bladder and kidney infections, such as a urinary tract infection
Earaches, such as an ear infection or swimmer’s ear
Eye irritations and infection
Gastrointestinal illness, such as a stomach ache, food poisoning, diarrhea or emesis
Minor injuries and accidents
Sprains, strains, bumps and bruises
Cuts and lacerations
Suspected fracture
Skin issues such as poison ivy or sunburn

What is an Orthopedic Injury Clinic?

An orthopedic injury clinic provides urgent care for children and adult for for issues that affect the bones, joints or muscles. These specialized clinics offer specialized diagnosis and prompt treatment by trained orthopedic specialists.

An orthopedic injury clinic is the ideal place to go for serious injuries such as broken bones, sprains and strains. You can simply walk in – no appointment is needed. And the cost is much less than going to an emergency room. On-site services include X-ray, casting, splinting, bracing and injections. If your injury warrants surgery, one can be scheduled for the next day.

Some of the conditions treated at an orthopedic injury clinic include:

Broken bones, sprained wrists or ankles
Fractures and dislocations
Sprains and strains
Joint and tendon pain
Acute back and neck injuries
Sports-related injuries
ACL tears/knee pain
Muscle injuries

When To Go To an Emergency Department

Any symptom that is extreme, such as chest pain, or not relieved with an over-the-counter medicine, such as severe vomiting or headache, warrants a trip to the emergency room.

Visit the nearest ER when you feel symptoms such as:

Very high or very low vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate and temperature
Seizures
Signs of heart attack or irregular heartbeat rhythm, such as chest pain or fainting
Stroke symptoms, including sudden onset of numbness or weakness of the face or body; confusion; changes in vision; dizziness or loss of coordination
Vision loss
Nose bleeds that don’t stop
Shortness of breath, wheezing or high-pitched breathing sounds
A large, distended or rigid belly
Bleeding during pregnancy
Suicidal thoughts
Overdose
Complications from recent surgery or procedures

Not an Emergency? Consider Virtual Visits

University Hospitals virtual visits provide a convenient, simple way to see a clinician without having to go into a doctor's office. This option is available 24/7 for non-emergency conditions such as allergies, digestive problems, flu, respiratory issues, skin conditions, sore throats and more.

Our virtual visit services include online video and telephone appointments. With virtual visits, you can access many of the same services you receive during a traditional in-person appointment. These include remote symptom monitoring, diagnosis and treatment, prescriptions and other medical services.