When facing a medical emergency, it can be difficult to know where to find the best help. That’s why it’s important to know some of the key differences between urgent care clinics and emergency rooms. Take a look at some of these differences, including which medical emergencies urgent care clinics and emergency rooms treat, so you can know where to turn when the time comes.
Key Differences Between Urgent Care Clinics and Emergency Rooms
Urgent care clinics are clinics established for patients to be able to quickly receive medical attention for medical situations that are urgent, but not necessarily life threatening. These clinics typically offer same-day short-notice appointments, or even walk-up appointments for those seeking medical assistance.
Emergency rooms, on the other hand, are where patients who have urgent, life-threatening medical emergencies go for medical attention. They serve patients on immediate short-notice.
Both urgent care clinics and emergency rooms are typically open 7 days a week, as well as on holidays, which is not generally the case with primary care providers. However, emergency rooms are open 24/7, whereas urgent care clinics are open during operating hours, but not 24/7.
Examples of Urgent Care Services
While both urgent care clinics and emergency rooms have many similar attributes, their main difference is the kind of medical emergencies they treat. Urgent care clinics provide urgent care for a wide array of minor injuries and illnesses.
Some typical medical emergencies that urgent care clinics help patients with are:
- Fever & flu symptoms
- Sprained joints
- Back pain
- Broken fingers & toes
- Smaller cuts that could require stitching
- Pinkeye
- Insect bites
- UTIs
- Other non life-threatening injuries & illnesses
Examples of Emergency Room Services
As stated prior, emergency rooms tend to deal with more severe injuries and illnesses that require immediate medical attention.
The list of medical emergencies that are typically handled by an ER is long, but some of the most common include:
- Severe allergic reactions
- Excessive bleeding
- Chest pain & inability to breathe
- Serious burns
- Major bone fractures
- Seizures
- Severe cuts & gashes with heavy bleeding
- Eye injuries
- Severe flu & cold symptoms
- Other life threatening emergencies
Mills Urgent Care in Auburn, Alabama
When you are in need of an urgent care clinic in the Auburn area, look no further than Mills Urgent Care. We offer walk-in appointments for a wide array of medical needs and emergencies. With our top-of-the-line service, attention to detail, and care, we are confident that we can help make solving your medical situation as quick and painless as possible.
Along with treating patients for the medical emergencies listed above, Mills Urgent Care also offers an array of other medical services. Some examples of these medical services include:
- X-rays
- STD testing
- Well child exams
- Sports and camp physicals
- Complete laboratory testing
- Vaccinations & more
To see the full list of services offered at Mills Urgent Care, click here.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Mills Urgent Care clinics offer walk-in appointments, as well as short notice appointments that can be scheduled online or over the phone. When you need the help of a professional, trustworthy urgent care clinic, turn to Mills Urgent Care.
Call and schedule an appointment: 334-209-1117
Schedule an appointment online: Click Here
To visit one of our locations for a walk-in appointment: See Locations
