er visit vs urgent care

Graham King, M.D.

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Emergency vs. Urgent Care: What's the difference?

• Emergency Medicine

It's Saturday morning and your child fell while playing in the backyard. He can't put any weight on his rapidly swelling ankle, and he is sweating and crying in pain. Should you head to the Emergency Department or Urgent Care?

If you have been in a similar situation and wondered which option is better, you are not alone. Although Mayo Clinic Health System has offered Urgent Care for more than 20 years, many people are confused about when to use it.

Here are a few differences between Emergency Departments and Urgent Care clinics:

Severity of health problems.

An Emergency Department treats life- or limb-threatening health conditions in people of all ages. It is the best option when you require immediate medical attention.

Urgent Care is the middle ground between your primary care provider and the Emergency Department. If you have a minor illness or injury that can't wait until tomorrow, Urgent Care is the way to go. Also, it is a good option if you have illnesses or injuries without other symptoms, or if you do not have other underlying health conditions. For example, an earache can easily be treated in Urgent Care. However, if it is accompanied by a high fever (104 F or higher), or you have a history of cancer or are on immune-suppressing medication, it is important to have it checked out in the Emergency Department.

Hours and staff

Emergency Departments are staffed 24/7 with physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and nurses trained in delivering emergency care. The team has quick access to expert providers in advanced specialties such as Cardiology, Neurology and Orthopedics. Emergency Departments also have the imaging and laboratory resources needed to diagnose and deliver care for severe and life-threatening situations.

Typically, Urgent Care clinics are staffed with physician assistants, nurse practitioners and nurses. Although, some Urgent Care clinics have physicians on staff as well. Urgent Care providers can order basic labs and imaging tests, such as X-rays, to help them provide diagnoses and develop treatment plans. Urgent Care clinics have set hours and an established list of conditions treated. As a result, Urgent Care clinics often are less expensive and have shorter wait times than Emergency Departments.

Here are examples of types of conditions treated in Urgent Care clinics and Emergency Departments:

Urgent care clinic:.

• Back or muscle pain
• Cuts and minor burns
• Skin conditions
• Sprains or joint pain
• Upper respiratory infection
• Urinary tract infections

Emergency Department:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Compound fracture (bone that protrudes through the skin)
• Head injuries
• Severe abdominal pain
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden, severe headache, or paralysis or weakness
• Uncontrolled bleeding

Always call 911 and don't drive yourself to the Emergency Department if you are having difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, a life or limb injury, or signs of stroke or heart attack.

Learn about your options for same-day care .

Graham King, M.D. , is a  Family Medicine  physician in  Mankato , Minnesota.

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Differences of Urgent Care and the Emergency Room

Urgent vs. emergency care, urgent care centers, cost and coverage, avoiding claim denials, freestanding emergency rooms.

When a patient experiences pain in the chest, they are often unsure about where they should go. Should they  call 911 , go to the emergency room , visit an urgent care center, or try to see their primary care doctor ? It's not always an easy decision.

Moreover, the cost of making the wrong decision can be significant, affecting either your pocketbook or your health.

Some conditions are considered absolute emergencies: heart attacks , strokes , sepsis, anaphylaxis , and gunshot wounds are just some of the medical conditions that are universally considered emergencies. They must be evaluated and treated in the emergency department.

If a patient goes to an urgent care center with a true medical emergency, the urgent care staff should send them to the emergency department anyway, often by ambulance and often at a substantial cost.  

That's just a small sample of what constitutes an emergency . The list is a lot longer and it always includes a diagnosis. In other words, one almost has to know they're having a heart attack in order for it to be a real emergency.

It is ultimately the responsibility of the emergency department to determine whether the symptoms you are experiencing are an emergency. The American College of Emergency Physicians ((ACEP) concurs but many health insurers don't.

If the ER doctor reviews your symptoms and refers you to an urgent care center, you could be responsible for the entire cost of the visit even if your symptoms were suggestive of a life-threatening event.

One might hear the term "urgent care center" and assume that "urgent" means this is a place where serious medical conditions can be treated in a similar, if not identical, manner to an emergency department. The truth is that "urgent" is defined differently in every state.

Some states consider urgent care centers nothing more than glorified physician offices. Other states treat them like stand-alone emergency departments as opposed to hospital-based ones.

Urgent care centers might be staffed with physicians or only with nurse practitioners or physician's assistants, depending on state law.  As state legislatures address the needs of their populations, the rules change quickly.

With such diverse regulations, going to an urgent care center for a medical emergency is a gamble unless you are clear about what the center can or cannot treat.

In most cases, people should treat an urgent care center as they would a doctor's office, albeit with longer, more flexible hours and walk-in availability.

The whole concept of urgent care centers was born out of runaway healthcare costs. Folks regularly go to the ER when they could've gone to their private doctor for substantially less cost.

Compare the bills for an emergency department and an urgent care center side by side, and you'll see that urgent care centers are almost always substantially less expensive when the medical condition is something they can treat.  That doesn't mean that it is always cheaper to go to an urgent care center.

Depending on the terms of your insurance policy, you may have to choose between in-network centers (those that have negotiated rates with your insurer) and out-of-network centers (those that haven't). In most cases, urgent care centers that are out-of-network will not be covered by your health insurance. Even if they are, the copay/coinsurance costs will almost invariably be high.

If an urgent care center is not in-network, but an emergency department is, it could end up costing you less to visit the ER.

With that said, if the ER visit is not deemed necessary by your insurer, you could still be left footing the bill even if the facility was in-network.

To better deal with insurance mishaps and denials, some emergency departments have urgent care centers built within them. Based on the initial diagnostic review by a triage nurse, you would be forwarded to the appropriate center for your treatment.

Many insurance companies will use hospital admission as a litmus test to determine if you were truly sick enough to need emergency care. If you were admitted to the hospital after the ER visit, your insurer might reduce or waive co-pay or out-of-pocket deductible costs. On the other hand, if you are not admitted, you will likely be on the hook for the entire deductible or co-pay.

Insurers will use these sort of sliding-scale payments as a disincentive for choosing the ER for first-line medical care. Many patients, however, don't have a choice. Their doctor may not be available for a same-day visit. Similarly, many urgent care centers are not open 24 hours a day.

Even if you advise your insurance company that had no other choice but to visit an ER, they will often ignore you until a more formal complaint or review is lodged.

A freestanding or stand-alone ER is a relatively new invention cropping up all over the country. Currently, around 35 states allow for these freestanding emergency centers. Some aren't emergency departments per se, because they are independent and unassociated with a hospital. In some states, physicians are permitted to own and operate ER facilities.

Stand-alone emergency centers might look very similar to an urgent care center. They often operate in the same places, such as malls and retail districts. They won't be adjacent to a hospital—at least not in the same building—and they may or may not have an ambulance entrance.

Most of these facilities advertise a full range of services, including a paid ambulance service to rush you to a hospital if needed.

While beneficial to those who don't have a nearby hospital, freestanding ER rooms may be inappropriate for people with life-threatening events, like a heart attack or stroke, who can be treated more expeditiously in a hospital.

A Word From Verywell

The emergency department is the definitive immediate-need healthcare option. This is the place patients can go for any sort of medical condition, regardless of how severe or benign it may be. Emergency departments are also the most expensive option.

An ER visit bill will almost always in excess of $1,000 even if all you need is an aspirin. A trip to the urgent care center or to a doctor's office, on the other hand, is likely to be two or three hundred dollars for the exact same care.

It's important to understand the differences—and what conditions they are better suited to treat—so that you won't end up with bills you cannot pay.

Coster JE, Turner JK, Bradbury D, Cantrell A. Why Do People Choose Emergency and Urgent Care Services? A Rapid Review Utilizing a Systematic Literature Search and Narrative Synthesis. Acad Emerg Med . 2017;24(9):1137-1149. doi:10.1111/acem.13220

Le ST, Hsia RY. Community characteristics associated with where urgent care centers are located: a cross-sectional analysis. BMJ Open . 2016;6(4):e010663. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2015-010663

Ho V, Metcalfe L, Dark C, et al. Comparing Utilization and Costs of Care in Freestanding Emergency Departments, Hospital Emergency Departments, and Urgent Care Centers . Ann Emerg Med . 2017;70(6):846-857.e3. doi:10.1016/j.annemergmed.2016.12.006

Fact Sheets . (2017).  American College of Emergency Physicians | News Room .

You thought it was an urgent care center, until you got the bill . (2017).  NBC News .

By Rod Brouhard, EMT-P Rod Brouhard is an emergency medical technician paramedic (EMT-P), journalist, educator, and advocate for emergency medical service providers and patients.

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• Health and Wellness

Urgent care vs emergency room: What's the difference?

December 1, 2023

Written By Daniel Bickley, MD, and Anwar Isabell, MD

• Emergency Medicine

Urgent Care

• Patient Care
• Daniel Bickley MD
• Anwar Isabell MD
• Call Us At 1-888-824-0200

It’s Saturday, and the cold you’ve been nursing for the past few days seems to be getting worse. You’ve vomited once and have a fever. Should you head to a hospital emergency room or an urgent care clinic?

Learn more about our urgent care Learn more about our ER

If you’ve ever wondered whether to go to an ER or an urgent care clinic, you’re not alone. As physicians, we’re often asked by family, friends and patients if their symptoms warrant an ER visit, a trip to an urgent care clinic, a call to their primary care doctor or simply management at home.

If you are experiencing mild symptoms , such as mild aches and pains, a mild cough, etc., that could be caused by the flu, COVID-19 , RSV  or hundreds of other viruses, consider “doing what your mom used to tell you” — rest, drink plenty of fluids, take over-the-counter medications like Tylenol, if needed, and monitor your symptoms.

If your symptoms don't improve over time, or if they worsen, calling your primary care physician  may be beneficial. Many primary care physicians are now offering virtual visits  and can assess patients by a phone or video call fairly quickly.

However, if your symptoms are more severe and can’t wait for an appointment with your doctor, consider your other options for care.

Unless a condition is life-threatening, a trip to urgent care is generally a better use of a patient’s time and resources to treat injuries, fevers, infections and other ailments.

Urgent care centers often have far shorter wait times than the ER and cost less than a traditional hospital emergency room visit. And many, like our UChicago Medicine Dearborn Station ,  UChicago Medicine Medical Group - Homewood  and UChicago Medicine River East  urgent care centers, offer convenient benefits such as walk-in appointments and on-site x-ray.

There are a variety of conditions treated at our urgent care centers , but common reasons to visit one include:

• If you are experiencing mild to moderate cold symptoms and not sure whether it is flu, COVID-19 or RSV.  
• If you have a sore throat and are concerned it is viral or strep throat.
• If your virus or cold symptoms developed into infections, like ear infections or pneumonia, and may require antibiotics.

Our urgent care clinics have board-certified physicians on staff who can test for and treat these conditions and much more. We treat both adult and pediatric  patients and are available 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during weekdays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

If necessary, urgent care providers can also connect you with a higher level of care.

Emergency Room

You should call 911 or come right to the emergency room if you’re systemically sick. That’s when an illness affects your entire body, and you have severe pain or sudden onset of severe symptoms, a fever that won’t break, or “something doesn’t work,” like you’re unable to move an arm or leg or breathe normally. This includes:

• If a person has a severe injury or allergic reaction.
• If they pass out or experience any signs of a possible stroke  or signs of a heart attack .

While you or the victim may have a hospital of choice, an emergency may warrant going to the nearest emergency location for immediate treatment. With their connection to hospitals for seamless admittance and advanced level of technology, ERs are the best place for actual emergencies.

Should you call 911 or go to the hospital emergency room?

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) has useful guidance on when to call 911, but common reasons include:

• The condition is life-threatening and requires attention as soon as possible. 
• You are unable to move yourself or the victim without causing harm or further damage.
• You are physically or emotionally unable to drive or be transported to a hospital ER. 

Urgent Aid for Lower-Level Emergencies

If you’re in the Southland, UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial offers an additional option to consider before heading to the ER. In our south suburban urgent aid centers , physicians provide ER-level care for lower-level emergencies — injuries, viruses and other illnesses — 24 hours a day, every day in an urgent care-like setting.

If a stable patient needs higher-level imaging such as an ultrasound or CT scan, urgent aids may be a better fit than an urgent care clinic.

The cost of an urgent aid visit is the same as the emergency department of Ingalls Memorial for the same level of care. The co-pay for emergency services will apply to your urgent aid visit, which may be higher than the co-pay for services provided by urgent care centers that are not part of a hospital’s emergency department.

Anwar Isabell, MD, is a UChicago Medicine Medical Group provider. UChicago Medicine Medical Group is comprised of UCM Care Network Medical Group, Inc. and Primary Healthcare Associates, S.C. UChicago Medicine Medical Group providers are not employees or agents of The University of Chicago Medical Center, The University of Chicago, or UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial.

Daniel Bickley, MD

Daniel Bickley, MD is the Interim Medical Director of the Adult Emergency Department at the University of Chicago Medicine.

Anwar Isabell, MD

Board-certified family medicine physician, Anwar Isabell, MD, specializes in care for the whole family.

Where Should I Go for Care Today?

You never know when a sudden injury or illness may happen. That's why it's so important to be prepared and know what steps you can take as soon as symptoms appear. Click below to learn more about the best times to visit primary care, urgent care or the emergency department.

Your regular doctor is the best person to call for minor health issues because they know your medical history.

When you need care right away, but the illness or injury isn’t considered life-threatening, visit an urgent care clinic.

If you have severe symptoms that could be life-threatening, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away.

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ER doctors describe 14 cases where urgent care is a better option than the ER

• You have two options if you need after-hours medical attention: urgent care clinics or the ER.
• The ER is the best place to get specialized treatment for life-threatening illnesses and injuries.
• Urgent care is ideal for other health concerns — you'll likely pay less and have a shorter wait.

When immediate injuries or illnesses strike outside your primary care doctor's usual hours, you have two options, depending on your symptoms and their severity: You can either go to the emergency room (ER) or head to the nearest urgent care clinic. 

As the name suggests, ERs are intended for emergencies, like severe bone fractures, persistent chest pain, or uncontrollable bleeding.

Urgent care clinics, on the other hand, offer a middle ground between the ER and waiting until your primary care doctor's office opens. You'll want to visit the urgent care for issues that aren't necessarily emergencies but still require prompt care. Examples include high fevers, mild to moderate difficulty breathing, or cuts that may need stitches. 

Below, ER doctors share insight on how to determine when you should go to the ER, and when to opt for an urgent care visit instead. 

When to go to the ER

You'll want to head to the ER right away for any condition or injury that poses a threat to your life, organs, or senses, including:

1.  Excessive or uncontrollable bleeding

2. Severe head injuries

3. Psychosis

4. Fainting or sudden, persistent dizziness

5. Intense, localized abdominal pain

6. Sudden numbness or weakness in the body, loss of coordination, or other signs of a stroke

7. Sudden vision changes

8. Sudden confusion or disorientation

9.  Coughing or vomiting up blood

10. Trouble breathing

11. A fever of 103°F or higher, along with other symptoms like irritability, vomiting, stomach or head pain, and light sensitivity

12.  Any fever in infants under 2 months of age

13. Severe burns

14. Severe allergic reactions

15.  Asthma attacks

16.  Vomiting or diarrhea that doesn't stop

17. Inhaled smoke or poisonous fumes

18. Open wound fractures  

19.  During pregnancy : heavy vaginal bleeding that's similar to a period or worse, severe and persistent abdominal pain or cramping, fever or chills, or sudden vision changes coupled with severe headaches

Dr. Jennifer L. White , Director of Clinical Operations of the Emergency Department at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital , advises trusting your gut when it comes to the above symptoms and conditions. 

For example, if you have bronchitis — a condition that can typically be treated at an urgent care clinic — and are experiencing wheezing or shortness of breath , you should visit the ER as soon as possible.

"I have treated many young patients who think they are having a panic attack and instead are experiencing supraventricular tachycardia, an abnormal heartbeat that may require emergency care. What looks like a bug bite may be a flesh-eating bacteria. Back pain from lifting a toddler out of the car could warrant spine surgery. The bottom line is to get guidance when in doubt, which is why the ER is open 24/7," White says. 

If you're unsure whether you should go to the ER, call your personal doctor for more guidance. 

When to go to urgent care

You'll generally want to visit an urgent care clinic for symptoms that require somewhat immediate attention but aren't life-threatening. 

According to Dr. Jay Woody , chief medical officer of Intuitive Health and co-founder of Legacy ER & Urgent Care , medical conditions that may require a physician's care but not a trip to the ER include:

1. Food poisoning — unless you experience blood in your vomit or stool, or severe dehydration symptoms

2.  Sinus infections 

3.  Strep throat

4.  Rashes, unless they spread rapidly or are accompanied by a high fever, blisters, or bruises 

5. Cold and flu symptoms , like severe sore throat or cough

6. Mild to moderate headaches

7. A fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C)

8. Minor sprains and fractures in toes or fingers

9. Minor burns and cuts, unless there's excessive bleeding, or you have signs of infection like oozing pus or yellow crust around the wound

10. Minor ear, nose, and throat issues, including pink eye and nosebleeds

11. Urinary tract infections, unless you have signs of a kidney infection like a fever, chills, or upper back and side pain

12. Bronchitis, unless you have difficulty breathing 

13. Moderate back and joint pain 

14. Earaches and eye infections

If a physician at an urgent care clinic determines your symptoms or condition require more intensive measures, they may transfer you directly to the nearest emergency room for treatment, according to Dr. Jared Sharza , a resident emergency medicine physician at McLaren Macomb Medical Center .

Here are some other things to consider when choosing between the ER and urgent care.

Prepare for a long wait when visiting the ER

Urgent care clinics are designed to treat a higher volume of patients than emergency rooms, so prepare to wait longer in the ER, White says. On average, ER wait time is 55.8 minutes in the US. 

However, wait time can depend on how fully staffed the department is and how many beds are available. Your individual risk factors and results from your vital sign assessment can also come into play. If your injury is severe enough to threaten your life, you'll receive treatment much sooner.  

White says the longest ER waits tend to be on:

• Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays
• After 7 p.m. when urgent care clinics close

On the other hand, you may receive treatment more quickly:

• Before noon on a weekday
• After midnight on a Saturday or Sunday

"ERs use a triage system to decide who can wait and assess if there are tests, imaging or treatment that can begin before they're seen," White says.

White recommends bringing comfortable clothes, a book, and a phone charger with you — along with your photo ID and insurance info.

An ER visit can be expensive

Going to the ER can be far more costly than visiting an urgent care clinic, according to Woody.

With insurance, the average cost of an emergency room visit is $1,014, whereas the cost of an urgent care clinic visit can range from around $22 to $261 — about 85% less.

So, unless you're dealing with a potentially serious issue or condition, you may want to skip the ER and visit an urgent care clinic instead. 

ERs have access to more resources for specialized care

According to Sharza, most emergency rooms are connected to hospitals, so they typically have access to more resources — like advanced imaging technologies and specialist physicians.

Specialists like allergists, dermatologists, urologists, gastroenterologists, and infectious disease doctors have advanced training for treating complex, nuanced medical problems. 

Moreover, only some urgent care centers may offer X-rays, MRIs, CAT scans, and in-house labs, while all hospitals offer these services. 

Also, emergency rooms have easy access to on-call surgeons, whereas urgent care centers would need to transfer you to a hospital for surgery.

Insider's takeaway

Visit your nearest emergency room for any condition that may impair or endanger your life. Urgent care clinics are a great solution when you need medical attention for an issue that's not life-threatening but can't wait until you can visit your usual doctor. 

Still unsure about which option is a better fit? You can always call your doctor's office or a local emergency room for advice based on your current symptoms. 

Experts agree, however, that it's always better to be safe than sorry. So, if you're at all concerned about the severity of your symptoms or the risk they pose to your health, head to your nearest emergency room to get evaluated.

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Emergency vs. Urgent Care: What’s the difference?

Dana Sparks

Share this:

It's Saturday morning and your child fell while playing in the backyard. He can't put any weight on his rapidly swelling ankle, and he is sweating and crying in pain. Should you head to the Emergency Department or Urgent Care?

If you've been in a similar situation and wondered which option is better, you are not alone. Although Mayo Clinic Health System has offered Urgent Care for more than 20 years, many people are confused about when to use it.

This article is written by Graham King, M.D., a Family Medicine physician in Mankato, Minnesota.

Here are a few differences between Emergency Departments and Urgent Care clinics:

Severity of health problems

An Emergency Department treats life- or limb-threatening health conditions in people of all ages. It is the best option when you require immediate medical attention.

Urgent Care is the middle ground between your primary care provider and the Emergency Department. If you have a minor illness or injury that can't wait until tomorrow, Urgent Care is the way to go. Also, it is a good option if you have illnesses or injuries without other symptoms, or if you do not have other underlying health conditions. For example, an earache can easily be treated in Urgent Care. However, if it is accompanied by a high fever (104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher), or you have a history of cancer or are on immune-suppressing medication, it is important to have it checked out in the Emergency Department.

Hours and staff

Emergency Departments are staffed 24/7 with physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and nurses trained in delivering emergency care. The team has quick access to expert providers in advanced specialties such as Cardiology, Neurology and Orthopedics. Emergency Departments also have the imaging and laboratory resources needed to diagnose and deliver care for severe and life-threatening situations.

Typically, Urgent Care clinics are staffed with physician assistants, nurse practitioners and nurses. Although, some Urgent Care clinics have physicians on staff as well. Urgent Care providers can order basic labs and imaging tests, such as X-rays, to help them provide diagnoses and develop treatment plans. Urgent Care clinics have set hours and an established list of conditions treated. As a result, Urgent Care clinics often are less expensive and have shorter wait times than Emergency Departments.

Here are examples of types of conditions treated in Urgent Care clinics and Emergency Departments:

Urgent care clinic:.

• Back or muscle pain
• Cuts and minor burns
• Skin conditions
• Sprains or joint pain
• Upper respiratory infection
• Urinary tract infections

Emergency Department:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Compound fracture (bone that protrudes through the skin)
• Head injuries
• Severe abdominal pain
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden, severe headache, or paralysis or weakness
• Uncontrolled bleeding

Always call 911 and don't drive yourself to the Emergency Department if you are having difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, a life or limb injury, or signs of stroke or heart attack.

Learn more about emergency and urgent care:

• Learn about your  options for same-day care .
• Find out why  you shouldn't let a fear of COVID-19 stop you from seeking needed emergency care .
• Find out if you're having  heart attack symptoms .
• Learn about  stroke symptoms and what to do .
• Consumer Health: Preventing tension-type headaches A breast cancer survivor’s point of view on COVID-19 vaccines

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When to Go to Urgent Care vs. the ER

By Cassie Shortsleeve

Choosing where to turn for care in a scary and sudden medical situation can be confusing. You might not know if you should head to urgent care or go straight to the emergency room (or, in some cases, call 911).

Are your fever and cough due to the flu , or do you have pneumonia, which could require hospitalization? Is that chest pain from a muscle you pulled at a high-intensity interval training class , or could it be something more serious? Here, experts explain the purpose of urgent care, plus when to go there vs. the emergency room.

Urgent care is for minor—not major—medical issues.

The difference between urgent and emergency care boils down to what constitutes a medical emergency . “Urgent care is a form of medical care that focuses on conditions that are not potentially life- or limb-threatening emergencies, but still require prompt care within 24 hours or less,” Timothy Tan, M.D., M.P.H., an assistant professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and an attending physician at Mount Sinai Urgent Care, tells SELF.

At urgent care centers, you’ll typically find both doctors and physician assistants who usually have training in emergency or family medicine, Dr. Tan explains. “They have a broad range of medical knowledge and skills that allow them to diagnose and treat a wide variety of illnesses in patients of all ages,” Dr. Tan says. “[They can] also identify when a specialist is needed or when there is a potential emergency medical condition requiring an emergency room visit.”

Urgent care centers usually have X-ray machines, basic lab testing (think: throat or nasal swabs for strep throat or flu), and equipment for minor procedures such as splinting a broken bone, stitching a wound, or draining an abscess , Dr. Tan explains. If what you’re dealing with requires a more intense level of care, going to an emergency room (or calling 911) makes more sense.

“Emergency departments will have more in-depth diagnostic testing, a wide range of medications, and access to specialists such as cardiologists for heart attacks, or orthopedic surgeons for complex fractures,” Dr. Tan says.

A doctor will usually see you more quickly at urgent care.

Since emergency rooms prioritize life-threatening health problems, urgent care can get you in and out more quickly if you have a minor medical concern. “[At] the ER, patients often wait hours to be seen for their potentially non-life-threatening concern,” Alexis Halpern, M.D., an emergency medicine physician at New York-Presbyterian /Weill Cornell Medical Center, tells SELF.

There are even some technology-based urgent care services where you can see a provider ASAP, such as NYU Langone’s Virtual Urgent Care center. For $126 (plus any additional fees based on treatments, though this base price can change depending on insurance coverage), people in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania can book appointments to see an NYU Langone doctor virtually for nonemergency concerns.

We’re going to go ahead and emphasize that nonemergency bit. If you need care for a concern that feels like a serious threat to your health, the emergency room is a better option than virtual or even IRL urgent care. Also, emergency rooms are open 24/7, whereas many urgent care centers are closed late at night, Dr. Tan says. They do typically stay open later than doctors’ offices, though.

Urgent care centers generally cost less than emergency rooms.

Of course, what you’ll pay will depend on your insurance , but urgent care is often much cheaper.

By Lauren Gray

By Ali Finney

By Erica Sweeney

“Because most urgent care clinics don’t have as much equipment or specialist availability as an emergency department, the cost to provide care is less, and many insurance companies will require a lower copayment for evaluation,” Paul L. Nadler, M.D., medical director of adult urgent care and a clinical professor of medicine at the University of California at San Francisco, tells SELF.

Here are five signs you should consider going to urgent care.

Remember, though, that you should always follow your gut. If something about your health feels so off that you’re tempted to seek emergency care, don’t let anything on the following list stop you.

With that in mind, here are five general signs that urgent care may be able to help you.

Let’s say you were slicing an avocado and cut your hand badly enough that an adhesive bandage won’t quite stanch the flow, but the wound isn’t spurting blood, you don’t see bone or anything else that’s super worrisome. Urgent care is likely your best option here. Lacerations should be cleaned and potentially stitched within hours to minimize the risk of infection and scarring, says Dr. Tan.

Other issues that urgent care facilities typically handle include pink eye, rashes, hives, ear pain, a twisted ankle, other musculoskeletal pains, and gynecologic issues such as urinary tract infections . 

You can usually treat a cold or flu at home. But urgent care can be helpful when you’re not sure if you have a minor respiratory infection or something more intense, like pneumonia. “If you’re experiencing a fever, body and muscle aches, chills and sweating, feel really tired, and have a dry cough that has persisted one to two days, it’s best to get checked out,” Dr. Halpern says. “The same goes for chest congestion, headache, stuffy nose, and rashes.”

“Chest pain is a tough one,” Dr. Nadler says. After all, even otherwise healthy people can have unexpected heart attacks . But if you’re under 55 (the age at which risk goes up for women ), have no history of heart disease , and think you can pinpoint a minor cause behind your chest pain, you may want to consider urgent care over the emergency room.

For instance, if you recently lifted too much at the gym and think you pulled a muscle, or if you’re thinking your chest pain could be heartburn , urgent care should be able to help you out. Here are some more tips for demystifying your chest pain.

Many urgent care clinics can diagnose and splint fractures, says Dr. Nadler, but not every break should be treated at urgent care. “Fractures commonly treated in urgent care include elbow, wrist, hand, finger, ankle, foot, toe, and ribs,” says Dr. Nadler. It’s best to have anything more serious or complex, like long bone fractures in the arm or leg, hip, and back treated in an emergency department, he says.

If you can’t get to your primary care doctor in time for something like diagnosing a yeast infection , urgent care can be a good option, Dr. Tan says.

However, don’t rely on urgent care as a replacement for preventive care. You shouldn’t put off routine screenings and check-ups with the thought that you can just go to urgent care if something comes up. It should be a complement to your normal preventive care when necessary, not a substitute.

Here are five signs you should head for the emergency room instead.

Again, these are general. If you think you need emergency care for something that isn’t on this list, seek it.

For instance, an allergic reaction involving swelling in your tongue and mouth can impact your breathing, which deserves emergency attention. Severe shortness of breath can also be a sign of a cardiovascular issue such as a heart attack . No matter the cause, always seek emergency care if your ability to breathe is compromised in an alarming way.

Chest discomfort on the left side, which could signal a heart attack , generally deserves prompt medical attention. This could present as straight-up pain, but it might also feel like pressure, squeezing, or as though that area is strangely full, according to the National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute . This discomfort can be mild or intense, persistent or intermittent.

With that said, women are more likely to experience lesser known symptoms of a heart attack, like shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and pain that radiates into the back, shoulders, and jaw. If you’re experiencing any of these, go to the emergency room or call 911.

This is especially important if you’re more prone to heart attacks due to being over 55 or having other heart attack risk factors , such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes , and a family history of this health issue.

These are all signs of a stroke, in which case you’ll need emergency care and should call 911. Emergency rooms are guaranteed to have access to CT and MRI machines that can diagnose issues such as strokes, says Dr. Tan, but that’s not always true for urgent care.

You can think of the stroke symptoms to watch for with the acronym FAST, the Mayo Clinic says:

- F ace: Does one side of your face droop when you try to smile? - A rms: Can you raise both arms and keep them up, or does one refuse to lift or start to lower? - S peech: Is yours slurred? - T ime: If you answer yes to any of these questions, you need to call 911 because time is of the essence.

A mix of these kinds of symptoms could signal a lot of gastrointestinal conditions that need emergency care, like appendicitis , a serious gallbladder attack , and pancreatitis (an inflamed pancreas), Dr. Nadler says. These issues require immediate attention because they can lead to complications if left untreated. Since it’s really hard to ID the cause of these symptoms on your own, it’s important to get yourself to the hospital ASAP, the experts say.

If you have a deep wound that won’t stop bleeding, think you’ve broken a major bone, or are generally experiencing severe symptoms of illness at a level you never have before, you should consider choosing an emergency room over an urgent care center.

Don’t put off going to urgent care or the emergency room because you’re worried about the costs. Health care can be exorbitantly expensive in this country, so that concern is absolutely valid. But there are ways to negotiate high medical bills and make it easier to pay them off . If you’re worried about your health—and especially if you think your life depends on it—seek the care.

• 6 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Emergency Room Visit, From an ER Doctor
• We Never Got Flu Shots. Then the Flu Almost Killed My Husband
• What Appendicitis Really Feels Like, From 13 People Who Have Been There

SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

When you or a loved one is sick or injured, you may not be sure whether to see your primary care doctor, visit urgent care, or go to the emergency room (ER).

We want to help you make the best decision based on your insurance coverage, what you may have to pay out of pocket, and whether the site you visit has the resources to help with your situation. If you have questions about where to seek care, call us at 888-499-9303 .

When to See Your Primary Care Doctor

If the situation is not an emergency and it is during regular office hours, visiting your primary care doctor is the best option. Your doctor knows you, your medical history, and what medications you take. Having an existing relationship with the doctor may also make it easier for them to fit you in quickly.

Your primary care doctor is the best call for:  

• Skin conditions
• A cold, the flu, a cough, or a sore throat
• Low-grade fevers
• Minor allergic reactions
• Digestive troubles

If you have private insurance, seeing your primary care doctor is also the friendliest choice for your wallet because your co-pay will be less expensive than a trip to the ER. If you don’t currently have a primary care doctor, use our tool to find a doctor who speaks your language and is close to your work or home.

When to Visit Urgent Care

According to the Urgent Care Association of America , more than 88 million people visit urgent care centers each year.

If your illness or injury is not an emergency, your primary care doctor’s office is closed (nights, weekends, holidays), and/or you believe the situation cannot wait, urgent care is your best option. Urgent care centers have the equipment to handle severe but non-emergency situations.

Urgent care centers are the best call for conditions that include:  

• Sprains and strains
• Broken bones that have not broken the skin
• Minor cuts or rashes
• Animal bites
• High fevers
• Ear infections
• Urinary infections

With private insurance, visiting an urgent care center will cost you more than seeing your regular doctor, but can save you hundreds of dollars (or more) over an ER visit. Make sure that the urgent care center you visit is in your plan’s network to avoid additional charges.

We have a network of AltaMed and affiliated urgent care centers throughout Southern California. Find one near you now.

When to Go to the ER

The emergency room is for real medical emergencies—the staff and equipment are there to provide life-saving care for extreme cases. For severe medical situations, you can call 911 or visit an emergency room. Most hospital emergency rooms are open 24 hours per day, seven days a week.

The ER is the correct destination if you or a loved one is experiencing:  

• A severe injury or major trauma, including a severe cut or burn
• Stroke or heart attack
• Loss of consciousness
• Difficulty breathing
• Trouble speaking
• Dizziness and loss of coordination
• A head injury
• Broken bones that puncture the skin
• Heavy bleeding

Depending on what kind of insurance you have, a trip to the ER can cost you thousands of dollars, so be sure to reserve these visits for real emergencies. However, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms or conditions above, do not hesitate! Go to the ER.

One Last Note About Medical Treatment Options

Obviously, if you have a severe cut, are bleeding, or you are suffering a significant bodily injury, GET TO THE ER, STAT! But if you need help figuring out the right place to go for treatment, call AltaMed at 888-499-9303 .

Remember that your primary care doctor should always be your first call—they know you best and will ensure that your care is consistent. Leave urgent care and the ER for those times when you are experiencing more serious difficulties or emergencies.

Get started with AltaMed

See how AltaMed Health Services can help your family grow healthy.

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Californians are no stranger to emergencies. From earthquakes to wildfires, flash floods to landslides, there’s plenty of reasons to be thinking ahead. Building an emergency kit is a great way to be prepared if disaster strikes. Follow the suggestions below to keep you and your family ready for anything.

• First Aid Kit

The first item in any good emergency kit is a First Aid Kit, which can help treat cuts, scrapes, splinters, or other minor abrasions. Many kits come with a variety of bandages, sterilized gauze, eye drops, tweezers, gloves, antiseptic wipes, and cleaning ointments like Neosporin. You can buy one pre-made at your local drug store or online, or you can purchase the individual items yourself.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends families keep at least one gallon of water per person per day, for at least three days. That means a family of four should have twelve gallons stored away. In addition to staying hydrated, water can be used for sanitation needs.

Canned Foods Can Opener

It’s also important to maintain a three-day supply of non-perishable foods. Canned meats, vegetables, and fruits are recommended, as well as foods like granola bars or peanut butter. Make sure you have an old-fashioned, hand-held can opener as well, since your power may go out. Remember to check your emergency kit once a year and replace any expired goods.

Flashlight & Batteries

In the event of a power outage, a flashlight will help you and your family safely navigate the area. You can also use it to alert rescuers to your location. Consider packing one flashlight per adult and be sure to add batteries as well.

FEMA suggests at least one dust mask for every member of your family. These masks will help filter contaminated air in the event of disasters such as wildfires or earthquakes. Keeping smoke, ash, or other hazards particles out of your lungs is extremely important for your long-term health.

• Medications

If you or a loved one suffers from a medical condition requiring prescription medication, injections, or epi-pens, it’s essential to set aside a small amount in your emergency kit. The American Red Cross recommends at least seven days’ worth of supplies. Over-the-counter pain medications like aspirin or Tylenol will also come in handy.

• Multi-Purpose Tool

A multi-purpose tool is another worthwhile investment for your emergency kit. Pliers, for example, can be used to turn off utilities before you leave your home. Many of these tools also contain essentials like can openers and screwdrivers. Best of all, these tools take up less space than if you packed all the items separately.

• Extra Chargers

An extra charger will definitely be useful during any emergency. Like flashlights, add one charger for every adult with a cell phone. Be sure to update chargers as you change devices.

One to two warm, durable blankets are recommended by the Red Cross to use for protection against outdoor exposure. You can also use sturdy blankets and some duct tape to build a makeshift shelter.

Whistles are an easy, effective way to alert rescuers to your location. Because they’re so small, adding multiple whistles to your emergency kit is a no-brainer. 

Tips for Kit Maintenance

Once you’ve finished assembling your emergency kit, remember to:  

• Keep your kit in a cool, dry place. This will help canned goods stay fresh.  
• Check expiration dates on food and medicine every six months.
• Review your supplies every year. Has your family grown? Have your needs changed? Adjusting your supplies on a regular basis will help you stay ready for anything. 

Your Emergency Checklist, Compliments of AltaMed

When disaster strikes, we want you to be ready for it. Print out the following checklist and use it to prepare an emergency kit. We hope it doesn't happen, but in the event of an emergency, you can’t be too prepared. 

AltaMed Emergency Kit Checklist  

• Canned Foods

Looking to improve your health? Join the club! Actually, with today’s health apps, you don’t need to. There are more than 318,000 health apps available to help you manage your health. From making smart food choices to exercising, and getting better sleep, these apps help turn health goals into healthy habits. So, grab your water bottle and your smartphone, and check out these six apps that can help you take control of your health.

Omada Health

Available for iOS and Android; Price: free for AltaMed Patients in Orange County Offers Spanish language option

Omada was created to help users lose weight and lower their risks of getting diabetes and heart disease. Omada provides the tools and support you need to succeed by helping you break up your health goals into small, easy steps. The app allows you to track your meals and activity/exercise, offers lessons on nutrition and stress, and connects you with a health coach to support and guide your progress. Plus, Omada gives AltaMed patients a valuable freebie: a smart scale that connects to the app.

Available for iOS, Android & Samsung; Price: $0 Offers Spanish language option

Using your phone’s built-in GPS, MapMyWalk tracks your daily walks and uses Google Maps to show you your route. It also collects and shows you your speed, distance, and calories burned. Receive audio updates on how you are doing while you walk, and use the website to see your history, make friends, join groups, and see how your friends are doing.

Pillow (Sleep Tracker)

Available for iOS; Price: $0, one-time fee of $4.99 to unlock premium features Offers Spanish language option

This easy-to-use app provides detailed information about your sleep cycle to help you get more restful sleep. Simply place your phone on your mattress near your pillow while you sleep and Pillow will track your activity during the night. You can also analyze and record your sleep, heart rate, and audio events such as snoring, sleep talking, or sleep apnea.

Connect to Apple’s Health app to compare your sleep to other health measurements. Pillow’s intelligent alarm clock helps you wake up rested by waking you at the lightest sleep stage. The app comes with features that let you track your mood during the day, and gives you personalized recommendations. Premium features include unlimited access to your sleep history, nap modes, access to a large library of wake-up and sleep-aid programs and melodies, and the ability to export and download your data to use with other programs.

Fooducate (Nutrition & Health Tracker)

Available for iOS; Price: $0, various premium levels available starting at $1.99

Not only does Fooducate let you track the foods you eat each day, but it educates you on healthy eating choices. The Fooducate app lets you input the foods you eat to learn about their nutritional value by scanning a barcode or searching the extensive database. The app also offers a daily stream of tips and articles to help motivate you on your food journey. Look through the archive of foods, check for top graded food choices, and set individual goals beyond weight loss. Fooducate can even send you a reminder on your phone to use it while you are shopping at the supermarket.

Instant Heart Rate+ HR Monitor

Available for iOS, Android & Windows Phone; Price: $4.99, various premium levels available starting at $3.99 Offers Spanish language option

Whether you’re just starting an exercise program or you’ve worked out for years, your heart rate is a good indicator of your fitness level. This straightforward heart rate app lets you discover your heart rate in 10 seconds or less. Just place the tip of your index finger on your phone’s camera and the app will detect color changes in your finger each time your heart beats. It then tells you your heart rate and puts the data in an easy-to-understand chart. Additional add-on features allow you to track heart health, access videos and motivational audio, and receive emails with tips on healthy living. Instant Heart Rate Monitor is used for research and trials by leading cardiologists, and is rated as the world’s best mobile heart rate measurement app.

Available for iOS; Price: $0, one-time fee of $4.99 to unlock premium features

HabitList is designed to give you everything you need to set and reach your health goals, all wrapped up in a clear, direct format. Enter your goals and the app breaks everything down into clear steps by day and frequency to help you stay focused. The app helps you stay motivated by encouraging you to beat your own personal best at each repeated task, then rewarding you when you do. View trends over a period of time, create a flexible and personalized goal schedule, and easily check off your healthy to-do list.

New to Physical Fitness? Start Here First.

At AltaMed, we love that there are so many tools to help make it fun and easy for people to work on their health goals. But you may have different health needs, and not every activity will be right for you. If you’ve never exercised before or you have an existing health condition like diabetes or heart disease, talk to your doctor before you start a program. They can help you determine the best options for you.

We don’t have an app for that, but we do have a handy doctor search tool to help you find a doctor near you.

When to Visit your Doctor, Urgent Care, or the ER

ER vs. urgent care vs. virtual visit

It’s 6 p.m. Your child just spiked a fever or developed a painful ear infection. Or you’ve tripped and can’t put weight on your foot. It can be confusing to know where to turn with a sudden medical issue when your doctor’s office is closed. You have your hospital emergency room always there and ready to handle the most critical medical situations. But there’s also urgent care or virtual care, which could save you lots of time and hundreds of dollars. Here’s a look at each option:

• Emergency Room — In a life-threatening situation, call 911 or go to your hospital ER. They’re open 24/7 and equipped to address the most complex or critical needs, including life-threatening crises like heart attacks or traumatic injuries. The highest level of care comes at a cost — around $2,600 1 per visit on average.
• Urgent Care — These same-day clinics may be a good choice when you have an illness or injury you’d normally just see your doctor for, but you can’t get an appointment and it can’t wait. Consider urgent care for things like fever, moderate flu symptoms, ear infection or stomach pain or anything that you’d need addressed in person, like a cut that looks like it might need stitches, a sprained ankle or a test for an illness like strep throat.
• Virtual care — Telemedicine can be a great alternative to urgent care if you don’t need in-person, hands-on care. Doctors can diagnose and prescribe treatment for things like asthma flare-ups, flu, headache, joint pain and more during a video visit.

If your doctor or insurance company has a nurse line, call them for advice. Otherwise, if you're not in pain, try rest and fluids, and call your primary care doctor in the morning.

3 questions to ask before heading to get care

Infographic transcript

Where to go for care?

If it’s after hours or your doctor can’t see you right away, these questions may help you choose where to go for care.

1. Is it life-threatening?

• YES > Dial 911 or consider the emergency room
• NO > Proceed to question 2

2. Could speaking with a virtual care doctor help?

• YES > Consider virtual care
• NO > Proceed to question 3

3. Can it wait for your doctor’s next opening?

• YES > Consider getting an appointment with your primary care doctor
• NO > Consider urgent care or if urgent care is closed, consider going to the ER

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Understanding When to Visit an Urgent Care Center vs. the Emergency Room

Defining Urgent Care and Emergency Services

Urgent care centers: scope and limitations.

When you're faced with a sudden cough or a twisted ankle, knowing where to seek help is crucial. Urgent Care Centers are the middle ground between your primary care physician and the emergency room. They cater to those medical issues that aren't life-threatening but still require prompt attention, such as minor injuries, infections, or a persistent fever. Typically, these centers operate beyond standard clinic hours, offering a convenient alternative when your regular doctor's office is closed. However, it's essential to understand that while urgent care can handle various situations, they're not equipped for complex or critical conditions.

Emergency Rooms: When Time Is Critical

Conversely, Emergency Rooms are the bastions of immediate medical intervention for severe and life-threatening conditions. They're staffed with specialized personnel and are equipped with advanced medical technology to handle critical situations like heart attacks, strokes, or severe trauma. The ER operates 24/7, ensuring medical care is available during a crisis. The decision to rush to the ER should be based on the severity of the condition, where every second counts, and the total resources of a hospital may be necessary to save a life or prevent serious complications.

Assessing Your Medical Situation

Symptoms that require emergency room care.

Recognizing when to seek emergency medical care can be a matter of life and death. Symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or sudden, intense pain suggest that something serious may be amiss. Other red flags include severe bleeding, significant fractures, or any sudden impairment in vision, speech, or mobility. These symptoms can indicate conditions such as heart attacks, severe allergic reactions, or strokes, which require immediate and specialized medical treatment. Delaying care in these instances can lead to dire consequences, making the ER the right choice for rapid, life-saving interventions.

Situations Suited for Urgent Care

Conversely, urgent care centers are ideal when the condition is not life-threatening but still requires prompt attention. These facilities are well-suited for treating sprains, minor burns, or respiratory infections like the flu. They offer a practical solution for after-hours care, often with shorter wait times and a more cost-effective service than the ER. By choosing urgent care for less severe ailments, patients save on medical expenses and help alleviate the burden on emergency rooms, ensuring those with critical needs receive timely care.

Navigating Healthcare Decisions

When to seek immediate medical attention.

Deciding whether to head to urgent care or the ER can be overwhelming in the heat of the moment. If the situation is unclear and the symptoms are concerning but not life-threatening, it's better to avoid caution and opt for the emergency room. Conditions like severe abdominal pain or symptoms of a concussion are examples where the line can be blurred. When in doubt, the ER is the safer bet, as they are equipped to provide the necessary care or stabilize and transfer you to a more appropriate facility.

Telemedicine Consultations as a Preliminary Step

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in assessing whether a trip to urgent care or the ER is warranted. Virtual consultations can provide preliminary medical advice, helping to determine the urgency of a condition. Healthcare providers can assess symptoms, offer advice, and even prescribe medication in some cases. This step can save time and resources, directing patients to the most appropriate level of care. Telemedicine is particularly useful outside of regular office hours or for individuals with mobility constraints or living in remote areas.

Contact Brazos Urgent Care Today

At }, we understand the importance of timely and appropriate medical attention. If you need help finding the right place to seek care, our experienced team is here to help. For non-life-threatening conditions, visit our convenient locations , where we strive to provide quality care with minimal wait times. And remember, for any medical emergency, always call 911 or head straight to the nearest ER. Your health is our priority, and we're here to support the League City community with compassionate, efficient healthcare services. Contact us today to learn more about our services or if you need guidance on where to seek care.

• Urgent Care

With UVM Medical Center full, how to know when to go to primary care, urgent care or ER

A s part of its strategy to deal with the constant crush of patients that has kept the University of Vermont Medical Center at or near capacity since the pandemic, the hospital sent out a news release recently reminding residents of various options for medical care. The hospital broke down the options according to ailments as a way to guide people to an option other than the UVM Medical Center, depending on the ailment.

The hospital's 365 beds for medical and surgical patients, including the intensive care unit, are 99% to 100% full almost every day, according to spokeswoman Annie Mackin. Dr. Stephen Leffler, president and chief operating officer of the Medical Center, said staff are struggling every day with where to put too many patients.

Primary care

Primary care is for when your condition is non-urgent or you need a prescription refill, according to UVM Medical Center. The primary care provider − assuming you have one − is familiar with your medical history and can provide personalized care, often with shorter wait times for an appointment than you would get at the UVM Medical Center. Primary care visits also usually have lower insurance co-pays.

Think primary care first for the following:

• Cold, flu and sore throat
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea, vomiting or stomach flu
• Urinary tract infection

More: Vermont has problems finding hospital beds for those in need. What a doctor says causes it

Urgent care

If you have a medical problem that's not an emergency, but can't wait for a scheduled appointment, urgent care is the answer, according to UVM Medical Center. These facilities offer extended hours and same-day appointments. Urgent care is a good option, too, if you don't have a primary care provider.

Head for urgent care if you're suffering with these conditions:

• Cuts needing stitches
• Sprains or minor fractures
• Cold symptoms and minor respiratory issues
• Rashes and minor allergic reactions
• Gastrointenstinal issues

More: When nursing homes are full, patients find themselves stuck at UVM Medical Center

Emergency Department

If you have a serious or life-threatening condition requiring immediate attention, the Emergency Department at UVM Medical Center is open 24/7. Since patients are taken in based on the severity of their conditions, rather than their arrival times, you could be in for a long wait, especially in the evening.

You should not hesitate to go to the Emergency Department for the following:

• Symptoms of a heart attack or stroke
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Severe abdominal pain, headaches or burns
• Neck, head or spinal injuries
• Compound fractures
• Sexual assault

Where to go for urgent care in the Burlington area

• ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care, 1200 Williston Road, South Burlington, 802-448-8205.
• UVM Medical Center Urgent Care, 790 College Parkway, Fanny Allen Campus, Colchester, 802-847-1170.
• Champlain Medical Urgent Care, 150 Kennedy Drive, South Burlington, 802-448-9370.
• Cocentra Urgent Care, 57 Fayette Drive, Suite 4, South Burlington, 802-658-5756.
• ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care, 62 Merchants Row, Williston, 802-307-1200.

Contact Dan D’Ambrosio at 660-1841 or [email protected]. Follow him on X @DanDambrosioVT.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: With UVM Medical Center full, how to know when to go to primary care, urgent care or ER

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Geographic coordinates of Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast, Russia

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Coordinates of Elektrostal in decimal degrees

Coordinates of elektrostal in degrees and decimal minutes, utm coordinates of elektrostal, geographic coordinate systems.

WGS 84 coordinate reference system is the latest revision of the World Geodetic System, which is used in mapping and navigation, including GPS satellite navigation system (the Global Positioning System).

Geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) define a position on the Earth’s surface. Coordinates are angular units. The canonical form of latitude and longitude representation uses degrees (°), minutes (′), and seconds (″). GPS systems widely use coordinates in degrees and decimal minutes, or in decimal degrees.

Latitude varies from −90° to 90°. The latitude of the Equator is 0°; the latitude of the South Pole is −90°; the latitude of the North Pole is 90°. Positive latitude values correspond to the geographic locations north of the Equator (abbrev. N). Negative latitude values correspond to the geographic locations south of the Equator (abbrev. S).

Longitude is counted from the prime meridian ( IERS Reference Meridian for WGS 84) and varies from −180° to 180°. Positive longitude values correspond to the geographic locations east of the prime meridian (abbrev. E). Negative longitude values correspond to the geographic locations west of the prime meridian (abbrev. W).

UTM or Universal Transverse Mercator coordinate system divides the Earth’s surface into 60 longitudinal zones. The coordinates of a location within each zone are defined as a planar coordinate pair related to the intersection of the equator and the zone’s central meridian, and measured in meters.

Elevation above sea level is a measure of a geographic location’s height. We are using the global digital elevation model GTOPO30 .

Elektrostal , Moscow Oblast, Russia

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Gardeners & Lawn Care Companies in Elektrostal'

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Popular Locations

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• Elektrostal', Moscow Oblast, Russia

Professional Category (1)

• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)

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