Go to the ER—or call 911—if you have any of the following: chest pain or pressure • sudden trouble breathing • severe bleeding that won’t stop • signs of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech) • head injury with loss of consciousness • seizures • major burns • poisoning • severe abdominal pain with vomiting • sudden vision loss. For personalized triage, use the chat assistant above.

Choose the ER for life‑threatening or potentially disabling problems; choose urgent care for non‑life‑threatening issues that still need same‑day attention. Average costs (before insurance): ER around $3,000 vs. urgent care around $200. ERs run 24/7 with advanced imaging and specialists; urgent care offers extended hours and shorter waits for minor fractures, stitches, infections, fevers, or moderate pain. Unsure? Our chat assistant can guide you in under 2 minutes.

Urgent care is ideal for: minor fractures or sprains • small cuts that may need stitches • ear or sinus infections • mild asthma flares • urinary tract infections • fevers without severe distress • flu, strep throat, or COVID‑19 tests • simple rashes. Anything involving severe pain, heavy bleeding, breathing trouble, or neurological symptoms belongs in the ER.

Call 911 if time or safety is critical—chest pain, stroke signs, severe shortness of breath, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, major trauma, or if you can’t safely move the patient. Paramedics start treatment immediately and alert the hospital so care begins sooner.

National averages run around $3000 before insurance; severe cases can exceed $5,000. Urgent Care averages around $200 before insurance. Out‑of‑pocket cost depends on your plan’s deductible, co‑pay, or co‑insurance. Check your benefits portal or call your insurer for exact numbers.

ER wait times vary widely—median ~2 hours in the U.S.—because patients are seen by severity, not arrival order. Urgent care clinics usually quote 15‑45 minutes. Using our pre‑visit chat can help you pick the setting most likely to treat you faster.