Do you need an emergency room, immediate care or virtual visit?

When you’re feeling unwell or have a minor injury, it’s normal to want to seek care as soon as possible. But going straight to the emergency room may not always help you get treatment quickly or cost-effectively.

“Emergency rooms will see all patients who come in. However, patients are treated by the severity of their medical condition, not the time they arrive,” says Dr. Felix Huang, an emergency medicine provider at Advocate Health Care. “If you have an unexpected medical condition, consider that you have multiple options available for consultation and treatment. Even if your primary care physician office cannot take you as a walk in immediately, consider an immediate care or a virtual visit.”

Know where to go – and when

Emergency rooms, immediate care centers and urgent care video visits treat people of all ages, but choosing the appropriate type of care can help you get the right treatment and improve your experience.

Immediate care

Immediate care is best for cuts and scrapes, rashes, sprains or minor burns. Heading to an urgent care center for less serious medical problems can result in shorter wait times and lower co-payments than if you sought the same care at an emergency room, Dr. Huang says.

You can also choose an urgent care video visit to meet with a provider 24/7 for help with minor illnesses like cold, flu or sinus infection.

Emergency department

Dr. Huang says the emergency room is the right choice if someone has chest pain, difficulty breathing, broken bones or other serious conditions.

“Emergency rooms will have many patients with life-threatening emergencies. If your condition is not immediately serious, in a very busy environment, it may take some time for you to be seen,” he says.

Primary care – in person or online

If you’re not in a rush, contact your existing primary care provider for a virtual or in-person visit. Virtual visits can help you get convenient care for allergies, cold or flu symptoms and sore throats.

Specialized care options

If you’re seeking care for your child, you can opt for dedicated walk-in pediatric immediate care or pediatric urgent care video visits for children ages 0-17 with pediatric providers.

And if you need care for orthopedic injuries, you can visit a walk-in orthopedic immediate care location. With onsite X-ray and casting, it’s an easy option for same-day care for acute bone, joint and muscle injuries that aren’t an emergency.

If you think you’re experiencing an emergency, dial 911.

Not sure which option is right for you? Find the best care for your symptoms: Illinois | Wisconsin