Quick Care Guide: ER vs. Urgent Care vs. Virtual Visits

When you or a loved one needs medical help, it can feel overwhelming in the moment to determine where to go. There are also different factors to consider, like the urgency of your medical needs, cost and convenience. Rest assured, we’re here to help. Keep reading for a comprehensive health care decision guide, designed to help you and your loved ones know where to go when you need help.

Emergency Room Visits: When Time Is Critical

When minutes matter most, going to the ER is your best course of action. The ER is best equipped to treat complex medical conditions, such as situations that could result in loss of a limb, life or significant bodily damage. One of the key differentiators of the ER is that it’s open 24/7, giving you access to lifesaving care at a moment’s notice. Knowing when to go to the ER can make a world of difference.

Signs that you or a loved one should go to the ER include:

• Abrasions or deep cuts
• Anaphylaxis/severe allergic reactions
• Bleeding uncontrollably
• Broken bones
• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood
• Loss of consciousness
• Poisoning
• Pregnancy-related medical conditions
• Seizures
• Serious trauma
• Severe abdominal pain
• Severe burns
• Suspected heart attack or stroke

It’s normal to feel anxious about visiting the ER, but our care teams are here for you and your loved ones 24/7, providing the compassionate medical expertise you deserve.

Urgent Care: Fast Help for Non-life-threatening Issues

Urgent care clinics are similar to doctors’ offices, treating non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. One of the key differences between the emergency room versus urgent care clinics is that urgent care clinics are open “after hours,” meaning for those who don’t get off work until 5 pm, you’ll be able to get medical care at a time that works for you. Plus, urgent care clinics have a wide variety of services, including scans and tests like X-rays, immunizations and onsite labs.

You or a loved one should visit an urgent care clinic if you experience the following:

• Allergies
• Animal and insect bites
• Cold symptoms, such as headache, cough and congestion
• COVID-19 symptoms
• Ear infections
• Fever
• Flu-like symptoms
• Minor bone fractures
• Minor injuries, sprains and strains
• Pink eye
• Sports physicals
• Strep throat
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Vomiting

If you or a loved one needs nonemergency medical care, an urgent care clinic is the right place for you.

Virtual Visits: Convenient Care From Anywhere

At AdventHealth, we’re committed to providing you with access to health care when it’s most convenient for you. Whether you don’t feel well enough to drive or you aren’t close to your doctor's office, an online doctor visit is just what you need. A video visit offers a convenient face-to-face appointment with board-certified physicians through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Our virtual care options allow you to receive diagnoses, treatment plans, follow-ups and prescriptions for minor ailments.

Symptoms for a virtual visit may include:

• Acid reflux
• Cold and flu symptoms
• Hay fever
• Lower back pain
• Minor burns, cuts, bumps and scrapes
• Pink eye
• Rash/hives
• Seasonal allergies
• UTIs

Through the AdventHealth app, you have access to world-class care at your fingertips. We’re dedicated to helping you take charge of your health.

Cost and Convenience: How to Decide Where to Go

While the most important factor when deciding where to go is the severity of your condition, cost and convenience are two other important factors to consider.

Cost

When it comes to the cost of an ER visit versus urgent care, the ER is generally more expensive. This is because higher levels of care require advanced technology and specialized providers. On the other hand, urgent care clinics are equipped to handle minor ailments, which require less cost overall. For virtual visits, some insurance plans cover them in the AdventHealth app, so it’s a good idea to check with your insurance company. If you don’t have insurance, the cost is $64 per visit.

Convenience

If you’re not experiencing a medical emergency, you have the choice between visiting your local urgent care clinic or seeing a provider at their office or through a virtual visit. Depending on your circumstances, visiting an urgent care near you may be more convenient. On the other hand, if you’re at home sick and don’t feel well enough to drive, or simply don’t want to put others at risk, a virtual care visit is not only convenient, but safe for everyone. Part of the convenience is considering wait times. In general, you can expect to wait longer for care at the ER and the least with virtual visits.

Helping You Take Charge of Your Health

When every minute counts, you can count on us. Whether you need lifesaving emergency care or after-hours access to a provider, our compassionate care teams are here for your every health need. If you need to schedule an urgent care visit or find your closest ER, we’ve got you covered. Visit us here to find a provider near you who offers video visits for the convenience you deserve.