When to go to the ER vs. Urgent Care

| Healthy You | Safety | Wellness

three circles representing primary care, priority care and emergency care

Here’s a guide for matching your needs to a clinic or hospital.

When you are sick or injured, going to the right place for care can help you feel better faster. But how do you decide where to go?

"If you can, talk with your PCP or pediatrician about what to do in urgent situations," says Simon Lai, MD, a PeaceHealth physician in Vancouver, Washington. 

Try calling your regular doctor’s office and ask to talk to a triage nurse for advice.

This can be especially helpful if you’re seeking care for a loved one with special health needs.

Why it’s good to call your primary care doctor first

Your primary care provider’s office handles a wide variety of concerns. And they also know you and your health history. 

They may help you quickly determine whether your need can wait or if it should be seen right away.

If they can’t provide you care within the time you need it, your doctor’s office may be able to help you find a place that can. When referred by your PCP, you might also be seen sooner. 


Different places for different types of care

Here’s a guide to help you decide what type of service might best suit your needs:

Priority Care for immediate needs — illnesses and injuries that need attention soon but aren’t life-threatening 

(PeaceHealth Priority Care clinics offer immediate care in select locations.)

If your PCP’s office is closed or doesn’t have openings and you have an illness or injury that can’t wait, look for a clinic that can see you today.

Priority Care, same-day or urgent care clinics offer primary care. They’re often open evenings, weekends and holidays. 

You may be able to drop in without an appointment or book your visit ahead of time.

All PeaceHealth Priority Care locations include X-ray, lab and other equipment to help doctors diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses on site.

Examples of conditions treated at Priority Care or urgent care clinics

Immediate care is best for things that need to be seen within days. These are things that won't get better on their own. Or they may get worse if not treated. This includes:

  • Asthma attacks
  • Boils, cysts, abscesses, rashes and other skin conditions  
  • Injuries from falls
  • Minor to moderate burns or cuts that need stitches
  • Prescriptions to treat common infections (sinus, ear, urinary tract, strep throat, pneumonia, etc.)
  • Small broken bones (hands, fingers, arms, toes, feet) or sprains 
  • Sudden sharp or shooting pain that doesn’t go away (if you’re having chest pain, go to the emergency room)
  • Symptoms of sexually transmitted infections 

These are just a few examples of what you can have treated at a clinic that offers immediate care. These types of clinics cost less than going to the emergency room.

Learn more about Priority Care

Emergency care — for illnesses or injuries that may lead to a loss of life or limb

For serious illnesses or injuries, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. 

The emergency room (ER) is the right place if you need treatment or test results, scans and X-rays right away.

ERs see patients according to how severe someone’s condition is. If someone with a more serious or life-threatening condition arrives after you, they may see the doctor sooner than you.

Examples of conditions treated at the ER

Call 911 or go to the ER for things that should be seen within minutes or hours. This includes:

  • Broken legs, hips, shoulders, head/skull, neck or back
  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Head and eye injuries
  • Passing out
  • Severe bleeding that won’t stop
  • Sudden blurred vision or loss of vision

Emergency care usually costs more than other kinds of care. But it can mean saving a life or having the chance for full recovery. 

When in doubt, don't put off care. If someone is having an emergency, call 911 or get medical help right away.

Primary care — for preventive or routine needs that are NOT life-threatening

If you have a primary care provider, think of your PCP first. The only time this doesn’t apply is if your illness or injury is life-threatening. Then call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.

Examples of conditions treated at primary care offices

Seek care at your primary care office for things that need to be seen within weeks, such as:

These are just a few of the concerns that can be treated at a primary care clinic.

It also usually costs less to see a PCP than going to an emergency room. 

three circles representing primary care, priority care and emergency care
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portrait of Simon T. Lai MD

Simon T. Lai MD

Family Medicine
Simon Lai, MD, has wanted to help people with their health since he was three years old. That inspired him to become a family medicine doctor so he could partner with people in meeting their personal health goals. Now, Dr. Lai helps entire communities through his role as chief medical officer of PeaceHealth Medical Group. His work focuses on improving care and making sure people get the care they need, when they need it. In addition to his administrative duties, Dr. Lai continues to care for newborns who are admitted to the hospital – a personal passion of his. Away from work, he likes to cook and spend time with his wife and four children.

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