Urgent Care vs. the ER

It's important to understand the differences between emergency rooms (ERs) and URGENT CARE. If a medical condition is life- or limb-threatening, or involves severe wounds or amputations, patients should go to the ER. If the medical condition is non-life-threatening, URGENT CARE at U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group can be a less costly and faster alternative to the ER.

Benefits of Urgent Care
•	PROPER TREATMENT
	Our centers specialize in minor emergencies and are designed to promptly treat minor medical conditions before they become life-threatening. Life-threatening emergencies should always be directed to the ER.

•	SHORTER WAIT TIMES
	Waiting is a pain. At U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group, wait times are usually shorter than most patients experience at the ER. Life-threatening conditions are treated first, and then less serious cases such as colds, sprains, or minor cuts, are treated as ER provider time allows.

•	SAVING MONEY
	ER visits for non-life-threatening services may cost more than a visit to U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group. Overuse of the ER is one of the main reasons for the higher costs and rate increases for insurance premiums. U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group will generally cost you much less for the same service obtained at an ER.

•	REFERRALS
	Our physicians will make referrals for specialty or emergency care as indicated.

When you need an ER

ER visits are necessary when a patient is suffering from a life- or limb-threatening medical condition, or if their condition involves severe wounds or amputations. If symptoms arise suddenly and you believe that a life is in jeopardy, call 9-1-1.

ERs specialize in managing catastrophic illnesses and injuries such as:

•	Signs of heart attacks, including chest pain

•	Signs of stroke, like sudden onset of numbness in the arms or legs

•	Severe shortness of breath

•	Poisoning

•	Major life- or limb-threatening injuries

•	Severe wounds and amputations

•	Coughing up or vomiting blood

•	Suicidal or homicidal feelings