The Differences Between Urgent Care & an Emergency Room

When to go to Urgent Care, the Emergency Room or Advance ER

1. Do I have an urgent problem or an emergency medical issue?

The difference is that of urgency. The primary distinctions between an urgent care facility and an emergency room is that urgent cares are generally not equipped to handle life-threatening illnesses or injuries. Unfortunately, many patients seek out urgent care when they actually have an emergency requiring immediate medical attention.

If you can’t wait to see a primary care doctor and must be seen immediately, then your condition is very possibly considered a medical emergency, and according to Texas law, all insurance companies must cover medical emergencies at in-network rates.

Examples of a medical emergency where you should go to an emergency room, not an urgent care center, include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Bleeding
• Headaches
• Abdominal pain
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Fainting
• Stroke symptoms
• Cardiac issues
• Lacerations
• Broken bones
• Fever
• Head injury
• Neck and back pain
• Motor vehicle accident injuries
• Heat exhaustion

2. Why is an emergency room a better choice for life-threatening medical issues?

These above-mentioned medical concerns are issues best seen in an emergency room, where on-site laboratories, diagnostic imaging tests, and our board-certified doctors are available to care for you.

Should you have a medical issue after-hours, Advance ER is your best option.

3. What are the benefits of your emergency rooms at Advance ER?

• We are open 24/7.
• We are a standalone emergency room that is physically separate from a hospital, located in a neighborhood community.
• Our standalone emergency rooms are staffed by board-certified ER physicians, physician's assistants and certified nurse practitioners.
• You are subject to the same co-pay as a hospital ER.
• Over 20 years of experience.

What Makes Advance ER Different From a Hospital ER or Urgent Care?