Have you ever been in a situation where you had to determine if you needed to head to either the emergency room or an express care facility? Most of us have probably been in this exact situation one time or another and have thought about which option is the best.
Listed below are a few differences between ER and Express Care:
- Emergency Departments treat people of all ages who have life-threatening or limb-threatening medical conditions. When you need immediate medical attention, this is your best option.
- Express Care is a service that exists between your primary care physician and the emergency department. If you have a minor illness or injury that cannot wait until another day, go to an express care clinic. An earache, for example, is easily treated in urgent care.
Examples of conditions treated at Express Care:
- Back or muscle pain
- Bronchitis
- Minor burns and cuts
- Diarrhea
- Earache
- Skin conditions
- Sprains or joint pain
- Upper respiratory infection
- Urinary tract infections
- Vomiting
Examples of conditions treated at Emergency Departments:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Compound fracture (a bone that protrudes through the skin)
- Head injuries
- Pneumonia
- Seizures
- Severe abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden, severe headache, paralysis, or weakness
- Uncontrolled bleeding
Remember to always call 911 if you’re in need of immediate medical assistance.
To learn more about PHN’s Clarion Express Care visit: https://primary-health.net/LocationDetail.aspx?id=111