August 27, 2017
Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room: Which One Do I Need?

What’s wrong?

It’s important to assess why you aren’t feeling well before any decision is made. Are you panicked that something might be seriously wrong with your body or mental state, or are you just uncomfortable? We recommend that you visit UrgentCare Express for any non-life-threatening complications when your primary care is not available.

We’re here for allergy complications, colds, coughs, ear pain, or flu-like symptoms, headaches or migraines, minor asthma complications, minor burns or lacerations, and minor sprains or strains.

Other common reasons patients visit an urgent care center include pinkeye, rashes on the body or face, sinus infections, stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, sore throats, and urinary tract infections.

Basically, if it is something that you would normally go to see your primary care physician for, then you can visit UrgentCare Express at Harrington. We are a walk-in clinic open seven days per week, so no appointment is ever necessary.

At UrgentCare Express, you will be seen by one of our skilled providers. You will have access to laboratory services and diagnostic imaging on-site, which means you never have to leave the building.

Should I go to the Emergency Room instead?

You should be aware of the signs and symptoms that mean a trip to the Emergency Room is critical. These signs include:

What time is it?

UrgentCare Express is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Whether you are coming in with a cold after work or seeking poison ivy relief on a weekend, we’ve got you covered.

If it is after these hours and you don’t think you can make it until 9 a.m. the next day, then you should visit the ER. Harrington’s Emergency Care Centers in Webster and Southbridge and all emergency rooms are open 24/7.

 Where are you?

UrgentCare Express at Harrington has two locations in Charlton and Oxford, making it convenient for most residents in South Central Worcester County.

If you are experiencing a non-life-threatening injury or illness, and cannot get a hold of your primary care provider, you should try urgent care first. UrgentCare is a better (and less expensive) option that will most likely be a predictably shorter wait than in an ER for minor health issues.

How would you like to pay?

At UrgentCare Express, we accept all major health insurance plans, as do both of our Emergency Care Centers. Typically, as mentioned above, seeing an urgent care provider is less expensive than coming into an ER. It is important to remember that many insurance providers will not cover ER visits if they are considered to be “non-emergency.” However, you should not hesitate to go to the emergency room or call 911 if you think you are displaying symptoms of a life-threatening or serious condition.

 

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We have transitioned to Epic, a new electronic health record system as of October 1, 2023. We are excited to offer myChart, an easy-to-use secure website and app that gives you access to all of your UMass Memorial Health information.

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