When to go
Ayers said the decision whether to go to an ER or to an urgent care facility is one that can be made using common sense and a layman’s knowledge of medical care.

An urgent care facility should be used when the injury isn’t life-threatening and when your PCP isn’t available, such as late at night, Ayers said. Typically, patients should visit an urgent care center for the same types of hurts that would cause them to visit their PCP. (See box.)

If the hurt is life-threatening, patients should go to a hospital.

If the injury is bad but not life-threatening, visit an urgent care center. Or, better yet, call your doctor, or the answering service, and explain your symptoms. The nurse will be able to tell you where you should go for treatment, or even if you can wait until the next day for an appointment.

Or, you can use the free CareWise nurse line provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. It’s open 24 hours, seven days a week. Just call (800) 987-7597.

Another option
Ayers said Ross’ reaction to breaking

her arm was appropriate. Parents may think that taking a hurt child to the hospital will give them piece of mind, Ayers said. But they don’t realize they are likely to wait and worry longer because the injuries aren’t life-threatening.

They also may not realize they will get just as good care, faster and cheaper, at an urgent care facility, Ayers said.

However, the urgent-care center shouldn’t take the place of PCP, Ayers said.

“It’s a one-time shot,” she said. “It’s not designed for the familiarity a PCP would have with an individual over a long time.”

But in a pinch when your PCP isn’t available – or in the case of a more serious injury like a broken arm – an urgent care center can certainly fit the cheaper bill.

Just ask Mona Ross.

“Urgent care centers are the way to go,” she said. “I don’t want to break my arm, but I’d go back. I’d recommend it to everyone.”

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