'Should I visit the emergency room or urgent care?': Consult a medical professional.

If you're experiencing worsening symptoms when unwell, it can be challenging to secure a same-day appointment with your primary care physician.

Which option is best when sudden and severe sickness demands immediate attention: visiting an urgent care or heading to a hospital emergency room?

Doctors were consulted by Planet Chronicle Digital to determine when an urgent care center is necessary and when a trip to the ER is required.

When to go to an urgent care

Immediate health care services are available for walk-in patients at urgent care centers, which typically offer extended hours and same-day availability.

Mayo Clinic considers them to be a "middle ground" between a primary care doctor and the ER.

As of earlier this year, there were 10,728 active urgent care clinics in the U.S., according to Definitive Healthcare in Massachusetts.

According to the source, urgent care centers typically treat a wide range of illnesses and injuries and may have a treatment or procedure room for performing minor medical procedures such as stitches, casts, and low-risk surgery under local anesthetic only.

In addition to basic laboratory and imaging tests, referrals for additional treatment may also be provided.

Medical professionals such as doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, and others can staff these centers.

According to Mishi Jackson, M.D., lead clinician at Novant Health Union Cross Family Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, some conditions can accelerate quickly and cannot wait until the next business day if it is after hours or on the weekend.

"A bladder infection can lead to severe consequences if it spreads to the kidney and bloodstream."

"Most patients are pretty good at determining what constitutes something minor versus something major."

Not all urgent care centers provide the same services, so Jackson advises patients to verify in advance whether the center they are visiting can meet their requirements.

According to Matthew Shannon, M.D., director of community emergency medicine at University of Florida Health in Gainesville, Florida, an urgent care facility may be suitable for minor injuries or illnesses.

"Patients are generally skilled at distinguishing between minor and major issues."

Some of the conditions that can typically be treated at an urgent care, according to Mayo Clinic's website, include:

• Bronchitis
• Cuts and minor burns
• Diarrhea
• Earache
• Skin conditions
• Sprains or joint pain
• Urinary tract infections
• Vomiting

When to head to the ER

Mayo Clinic stated that the ER is open 24/7 and can treat "life- or limb-threatening health conditions," such as seizure, stroke, severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, heart attack, or other escalated medical crises.

According to the source, the emergency room has critical care services and personnel that an urgent care clinic lacks, including specialists in cardiology, neurology, and orthopedics.

Imaging and laboratory equipment that may not be available at an urgent care will also be accessible to the ER.

Some of the conditions that may require a visit to the ER, as stated on Mayo Clinic's website, include:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Compound fracture (bone that protrudes through the skin)
• Pneumonia
• Seizures
• Severe abdominal pain
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden, severe headache, or paralysis or weakness
• Uncontrolled bleeding

Shannon mentioned that other emergency conditions include high fever, fainting, or sudden onset of symptoms such as speech difficulties, confusion, or impaired movement on one side of the body.

After being involved in a major car accident, a patient should also seek medical attention at the ER.

Patients may encounter wait times at emergency departments, Shannon noted.

According to the system of seriousness of complaints, medical history, and vital signs, all patients who present to emergency departments across the country are triaged.

"As a patient, you are quickly brought back by the medical team for assessment and first-line care."

"A nurse greets you and your care starts the moment you enter and speak with them."

Shannon advises seeing your primary doctor, even if it means waiting a day, if your condition is mild.

It's reasonable to try to see your primary care provider if you believe you can wait, he said.

"Unfortunately, the supply of primary care providers does not meet the increasing demand."

When to call 911

If any of the following apply, you should call 911 immediately, according to the American College of Emergency Physicians.

• Your condition is life-threatening and you need immediate medical attention
• You can’t move yourself or another person without causing additional harm
• Due to physical or emotional reasons, you are unable to drive and need to be transported to the hospital ER.

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If you experience difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, a life or limb injury, or signs of stroke or heart attack, Mayo Clinic recommends calling 911.