Emergency Physicians Help Clarify the
Difference Between Emergency Care and Urgent Care
Send a link to a friend
[January 19, 2023]
Understanding the difference between emergency care and
urgent care is important, especially in the stressful moments of an
unexpected health crisis. With many hospitals at or near capacity, the
American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) is sharing tips to help
simplify the decision about where to seek care when immediate medical
attention is needed.
“The emergency department is the best option for concerning symptoms,
severe illness or injury, and we’re open 24/7, 365,” said Christopher S.
Kang, MD, FACEP, president of ACEP. “Emergency physicians are ready to
help anyone who needs them—we are trained to treat every kind of medical
emergency.”
Emergency departments are outfitted with advanced medical equipment and
staffed to handle more complex care for severe health issues. Some of
the most common reasons to seek emergency care include trouble
breathing, chest pain, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, severe abdominal
pain, head injuries, sudden severe headache or dizziness, and sudden
confusion or disorientation. Emergency physicians are experts trained to
evaluate and manage any mystery injury or ailment.
Urgent care is a vital part of the health care system and can be a good
option for common minor medical issues that require timely attention,
especially during after-hours or weekend when an appointment with a
physician is unavailable. Urgent care is likely appropriate for a modest
cough, runny nose, sore throat, rashes, minor cuts, upset stomach, minor
bone fractures, pink eye, and other seemingly mild symptoms.
However, since most urgent care centers do not have
the full suite of medical equipment or specialized staff typically
found in an emergency department, they are likely not a substitute
for emergency care.
[to top of second column]
|
![](../images/011823PIX/ACEP-Infographic_Urgent%20Care%20and%20ER.FINAL_small.jpg)
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2023/Jan/18/images/ads/current/graue_lda_preowned_Buickencore_011323.jpg) Another difference is that
emergency departments—unlike urgent care— centers, are required
by law to treat or stabilize anyone who seeks emergency care,
regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status. Whereas
most urgent care centers accept health insurance but require
payment when services are delivered.
“Knowing when and where to go in a health emergency
can save a life,” continued Dr. Kang. “If you need care for a severe
illness or injury, or if you’re unsure about what’s wrong and your
regular physician is not available, an emergency physician will
always be there for you.”
Always call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if a
medical emergency is suspected.
[Steve Arnoff]
The American College of Emergency
Physicians (ACEP) is the national medical society representing
emergency medicine. Through continuing education, research, public
education, and advocacy, ACEP advances emergency care on behalf of
its 40,000 emergency physician members, and the more than 150
million people they treat on an annual basis. For more information,
visit www.acep.org and
www.emergency
physicians.org.
|