Recognizing the differences between ‘emergency’ and ‘urgent’ care can be confusing, because both terms imply there is a medical need that needs to be addressed quickly. However, there are distinct differences between hospital emergency rooms, traditional urgent care centers or walk-in clinics, including the level of care that can be provided at each.
Urgent care or walk-in clinics help fill a vital gap when you become sick or injured, but your regular doctor is not available and you can’t wait for an appointment.
Hospital emergency departments provide medical care at any time, day or night. However, unlike urgent care centers or walk-in clinics, they are equipped and staffed for even the most complex or critical needs, including life- and limb-threatening situations ranging from heart attack and stroke to traumatic injuries following a car accident.
When to go to your doctor's office or a walk-in clinic
Your doctor's office and walk-in clinics offer fast, convenient access to medical care. Call your doctor's office to schedule an appointment. Walk-in clinics do not need appointments and they are generally staffed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants. These clinics address the most minor of ailments, such as:
- Rashes without fever
- Mild flu-like symptoms
- Cough and congestion symptoms
- Sore throat
- Ear pain
- Eye redness, discharge or itchiness
- Painful urination
They also provide additional services, such as sports physical, health screenings and vaccines. They are a good option for when you are not feeling well, but it’s not serious enough for the emergency room or urgent care.
If you get sick at night or on a weekend and cannot wait to get medical care, call the Parkland 24-hour Nurse Line at 1-888-667-7890 or 214-266-8773 to speak with a registered nurse to help you decide what to do. You can talk to a nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.