Urgent care vs ER
Read on to learn the differences between urgent care centers and emergency rooms, as well as which facility you should visit based on your child's condition.
You know your child is hurting, and you just want to make them feel better. Knowing what level of care your child needs can help you get them the treatment they need quickly and save you unnecessary medical expenses.
What is the difference between an urgent care center and an ER?
In general, urgent care facilities are equipped to deal with the everyday illnesses and injuries your pediatrician or family doctor would treat. These same-day facilities have a team of registered nurses who can treat your child quickly and effectively if your pediatrician’s office is closed. Pediatric ERs are equipped to handle more serious conditions like broken bones or asthma attacks.
When do I take my child to urgent care?
Urgent care centers treat:
- Sore throat
- Flu symptoms
- Allergies
- Ear infections
- Sinus infections
When do I take my child to the closest emergency room?
Urgent care facilities are not always equipped to handle more serious illnesses or injuries, so if you believe something is seriously wrong, go to the pediatric ER. When your child suffers an injury or a medical emergency, you want him or her to receive the best care as quickly as possible. Pediatric emergency rooms are staffed by board-certified pediatricians and nurses who are experts at quickly diagnosing and treating children.
What do pediatric emergency rooms treat?
- Head injuries
- Serious cuts
- Broken bones
- Serious burns
- Pneumonia
- Animal bites
- Allergic reactions
- Swallowing foreign objects