Villages Wellness: Emergency Department or Urgent Care
with Lindsay C Ballard, MD

You fall and hit your head. You wake up in the middle of the night with intense abdominal pain. Your partner spikes a high fever. When these situations occur, we suddenly face the uncertainty of where to go for care.

While the answer is only sometimes straightforward, knowing the difference between an urgent care center and a hospital emergency room can make a huge difference if you have a medical emergency. There are distinct differences between hospital emergency departments and urgent care centers, including the level of care provided at each.

When to call 911

You know it is an emergency, but when should you call 911? Many people are nervous about calling 911, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Paramedics can often begin delivering life-saving treatment on the way to the hospital.