Top Five Times You Should Choose Urgent Care Over the ER

While we all may not be professional basketball fans, many caught sight of Austin Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers looking like Rocky Balboa after a few rounds with Clubber Lang. This was all due to a single errant elbow of Al-Farouq Aminu of the Portland Trail Blazers. Lucky for Rivers, he had immediate access to a team of doctors and medical assistants. Eleven stitches later, he was back slicing and dicing the Portland Trailblazer defense. Unfortunately for the Clippers, the heroic effort wasn’t enough to overcome the absence of both Chris Paul and Blake Griffin.

This got me thinking. Had that happened during a local pickup game, almost for certain we’re calling for an ambulance, and off it is to the Emergency Room. But perhaps that isn’t the best way to go, whether in terms of one’s wallet (is that doctor covered by my insurance?), obtaining timely service, and systematic affordable healthcare for non-life or limb threatening injuries. Not being a doctor, and not having stayed at a Holiday Inn last night, I figure the best way to know when to go is to start with five of the most common Urgent Care services.

1. Stitches

Been there, done that. One of my earliest memories was jumping up and down on a bed, achieving near orbit altitude. I was young, so memories aren’t perfect, but I do recall coming to with red gauze over my eye. I was an incredible trooper, that is until I was told I would have to have stitches, at which point I completely lost it. Who can blame a six year old? Still, stitches are fairly common and pretty easy to do for a properly trained practitioner. No need to rack up a multi-thousand dollar bill for your next pick-up line (so, there I was chasing a terrorist over Casablanca rooftops).

2. Colds and Flus

Whether by bird, pig, or horse, these pesky viruses keep finding a way to test whether our immune system is in working order. It may feel like your head’s going to explode, but in all likelihood what you need is some rest and fluids. However, a trip to the doc may prove useful, particularly if there is concern for a bacterial infection as that may require antibiotics. Emergency Rooms would grind to a halt if they became flooded with such cases. Save yourself time and frustration by going to your local Urgent Care center.

3. Burns

As we all know, burns come in four types. What’s that? There’s only three? No, no, my friend. Clearly you do not recall the Invisible Fire tragedy that befell poor Ricky Bobby. First degree burns cause minimal skin damage, as indicated by redness, minor inflammation or swelling. Like the cold or flu, these can be treated at home, but a trip to an Urgent Care may be warranted if it affects more than three inches, is on your face, or a major joint. Second degree burns, which involve blistering, definitely should be seen by a doctor who can properly clean and provide treatment. Third degree burns are unquestionably time for an Emergency Room. Burns to the face, hands, or privates (how did THAT happen?) will likely be referred to a burn center. As for the fourth degree, well, that requires a different kind of doctor.

4. Allergic Reactions

What is it about the hand cream they put in those small bottles in hotel rooms? Must … use … on … BODY! AAARRRGHHH!!! No one likes looking like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, especially before closing the biggest deal of your life that will finally get you that coveted partnership. Never fear, your local Urgent Care is here, ready to prescribe a topical antihistamine. Severe allergic reactions, such as hives, facial swelling, and shortness of breath, should be an immediate call to 911.

5. Broken Bones

Awwww, isn’t it adorable. I feel absolutely no shame in using a cute cat picture to get clicks. Most breaks are simple, as opposed to complex. Not sure which is which? Just remember, simple = Urgent Care, complex = Emergency Room. If you’re having a hard time remembering, google Kevin Ware and March Madness, but be sure to bring a bag to collect the contents of your stomach.

Hopefully by now it is clear that Urgent Care can and should be a better option for routine, non life or limb threatening situations. For some of us that have thrown our bodies into harm’s way, we’ve come to understand when it just hurts, when it’s bad, and when it’s really bad. That said, judgment is always important, and if you are not sure, err in the direction of caution and choose the Emergency Room. Have fun storming the castle!