Should I go to urgent care or the ER?
Call 911 or go to the ER for chest pain or pressure, trouble breathing, signs of a stroke, a head injury with fainting or confusion, heavy bleeding, severe burns, a bone pushing through the skin or a severe allergic reaction. For colds, flu, sore throats, sprains, back pain, minor cuts and burns, and minor broken bones, urgent care is usually the right choice.
Go to the emergency room or call 911
- Chest pain or pressure, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw
- Severe shortness of breath, choking or stopped breathing
- Sudden weakness or drooping on one side, or sudden trouble speaking, seeing or walking
- A sudden, severe or unusual headache
- A head injury with fainting, confusion or passing out; a neck or back injury with numbness or loss of movement
- Heavy bleeding, deep wounds, or coughing or vomiting blood
- Severe burns, electric shock or breathing in smoke or fumes
- A broken bone pushing through the skin
- A severe allergic reaction with swelling or trouble breathing
- A seizure, poisoning or overdose
- Thoughts of harming yourself or others: call or text 988
Urgent care is usually right for
- Colds, flu, COVID-19, sore throats, earaches and sinus infections
- Low-grade fevers and limited rashes
- Sprains, strains and back pain
- Minor cuts and burns
- Minor broken bones, such as a finger, toe or wrist that isn't misshapen
- Urinary tract infections and minor eye problems
Where a CT at urgent care helps
Many urgent cares can take an X-ray but send you elsewhere for a CT scan. At our Dearborn clinic, the provider who examines you can order a CT and have it done in the same building, during the same visit.
That can matter after a fall, a sports injury, a work injury or a car crash, when the provider wants a closer look than an X-ray gives. Your provider decides whether you need imaging, and which kind. If anything you have needs emergency care, we'll tell you and send you to the ER.
Not sure?
If it might be life-threatening, call 911. If not, and you're unsure, call us at (313) 582-0100 and describe what's happening.
Common questions
Is urgent care cheaper than the ER?
Usually. Urgent care copays and self-pay prices are typically much lower than an emergency room visit for the same minor problem. Check your plan for your exact copay.
Can urgent care tell if a bone is broken?
Yes. Urgent care can X-ray suspected fractures. At our Dearborn clinic, a CT scan can also be done on site if your provider needs one. A bone pushing through the skin or a badly misshapen limb needs the ER.
Should I go to urgent care after a car accident?
If you have no emergency symptoms, yes, go soon, even if you feel fine. An exam documents your injuries for your no-fault claim. See what to do after a car accident.
Can urgent care treat a head injury?
A minor bump without fainting, confusion, vomiting or a worsening headache can be checked at urgent care. A head injury with any of those signs needs the ER.
