Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room (ER)

What's the difference between urgent care and the emergency room?

If you need immediate medical attention, your first thought may be to go to the emergency room or ER. But if your condition isn't serious or life-threatening, you may have a less expensive choice. An urgent care center provides quality care like an ER, but can save you hundreds of dollars.

NOTE: If you have a life-threatening situation, go to your nearest emergency room or call 911. If you or someone else has thoughts of self‑harm or suicide, call 911 or go to the ER. You can also call/text 988 for 24/7 crisis support.

What is urgent care?

Urgent care handles non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Many urgent care centers are staffed with doctors and nurses who have access to x-rays and labs onsite. Most urgent care centers are open late and on weekends and holidays. Choosing an urgent care center over the ER can save you time and money. 

In addition, you can get virtual urgent care for hundreds of non-emergency conditions. This care is on-demand 24/7 by phone or video. In an emergency, always dial 911 or visit the nearest hospital.

Cigna Healthcare members can talk to a nurse 24/7 at 1‑855‑673‑3063, or on the myCigna website or app, to help decide the right site of care.

When should you go to urgent care?

An urgent care center can treat you for common conditions such as:

• Earaches and infections
• Minor cuts, sprains, and burns
• Fever and flu symptoms
• Cough, cold, and sore throat
• Animal bites
• Mild asthma and allergies
• Urinary tract infections
• Headaches
• Back and joint pain

What is the emergency room?

Emergency rooms are meant for true medical emergencies. They can handle trauma, x-rays, surgical procedures, and other life-threatening situations. Most hospitals have an emergency room that's open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

When should you go to the ER?

An emergency room may be best if you experience:

• Heart attack, chest pain, or chest pressure
• Sudden numbness or weakness
• Disorientation or difficulty speaking
• Severe bleeding
• Sudden dizziness or loss of coordination
• Seizure or loss of consciousness
• Shortness of breath or severe asthma attack
• Head injury/major trauma
• Blurry or loss of vision
• Severe cuts or burns
• Overdose
• Coughing or vomiting blood
• Severe allergic reactions

If you think your condition is life-threatening, call 911 or go to the ER right away.

What is the difference between urgent care and the ER?

There are several differences between going to urgent care and going to the emergency room:

Cost

Urgent care typically costs much less than the ER for non-emergency treatment. This may depend on your health plan. For Cigna Healthcare members, you can estimate your costs ahead of time on myCigna.com.

Wait Times

You can usually be seen much more quickly at an urgent care center than the ER. Many urgent care centers allow you to hold your spot or choose an appointment time online, which can make wait times quicker. Virtual urgent care is often even faster.

Services Offered

At the ER, you have access to advanced imaging, surgery, and specialists. At urgent care, you can get basic tests, x-rays, and minor procedures.

How can I prepare for my urgent care or ER visit?

Here are a few tips to help you plan ahead before you are sick or have an emergency:

• Know your health plan benefits: Check which facilities and providers near you are in-network.
• Find locations: Save addresses for urgent care and ER facilities in your area. If you're a Cigna Healthcare member, you can fine locations on myCigna or the provider directory.
• Consider virtual care: For minor health issues, telehealth services can save you time and money.
• Use preventive care services: One of the best ways to avoid the emergency room is by getting regular preventive care from your primary care provider or PCP. Your PCP can help identify and treat issues before they become bigger problems.