When you’re sick or hurt, the last thing you need is confusion, but often, uncertainty about where to go and what to do can cause added stress. Can you wait until your primary care office opens, or do you need to see a provider more quickly? Will urgent care be enough, or should you go to the emergency room?
Knowing where to go — and when — helps you get the right treatment faster and can even save you money. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide if urgent care is the right place for your needs.
What is urgent care, exactly?
Urgent care is perfect for times when you need quick attention but your life isn’t in danger. It serves to bridge the gap between an appointment with your primary care provider and a visit to an emergency department.
Tanner Urgent Care offers four walk-in clinics — including Tanner Urgent Care for Kids, the region’s only urgent care designed just for children — that are open seven days per week, offering convenient care for minor illnesses and injuries. You can also schedule ahead or book a virtual visit from the comfort of home.
Ask yourself these questions to decide
Here are five quick questions to help you figure out if urgent care is your best choice:
1. Is my condition non-life-threatening?
If your symptoms are serious but not severe enough for the emergency room, urgent care is likely the right spot.
Consider these conditions:
- Minor cuts that may need stitches
- Sprains or minor fractures
- Cold and flu symptoms
- Mild asthma symptoms
- Earaches, sore throats or sinus infections
If you’re experiencing severe chest pain, significant bleeding or trouble breathing, skip urgent care. Instead, dial 911or head straight to your nearest emergency department.
2. Do I need care after hours or on the weekend?
Can’t get in to see your regular doctor? Tanner Urgent Care has evening and weekend hours, so you don’t have to wait for relief.
3. Do I have a minor illness that needs treatment today?
Urgent care is great for same-day concerns like:
- Urinary tract infections
- Bronchitis
- Pink eye
- Burns and skin rashes
- Insect bites or allergic reactions (without trouble breathing)
- Fever, nausea or vomiting (without signs of dehydration)
4. Do I need basic testing or imaging?
Many routine medical needs don’t require an emergency room visit. Tanner Urgent Care provides a range of on-site services, including:
- COVID-19, flu and strep testing
- Sports and pre-employment physicals
- X-rays for minor injuries, such as sprains or suspected fractures
- Tetanus boosters, which may be recommended after certain cuts or puncture wounds, especially if it’s been several years since your last shot
5. Am I feeling unwell but unsure what’s wrong?
When something doesn’t feel right and you can’t pinpoint why, urgent care providers can evaluate your symptoms and help determine next steps. Scheduling a virtual visit is a great way to assess your condition and get guidance from the comfort of home. If your condition warrants an in-person visit or turns out to be something more serious, our team will refer you to the emergency room, connect you with a specialist or encourage you to meet with your primary care provider.
When should you go to an emergency department instead?
If you or someone you’re with has any of the following symptoms, head straight to the ER:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Trouble breathing
- Sudden vision changes
- Slurred speech or weakness on one side
- Seizure or loss of consciousness
- Severe bleeding or deep wounds
- Head or spinal injuries
- High fever in infants under 2 months of age or unvaccinated children who are younger than 6 months old
What if I’m still not sure?
That’s OK — we’re here to help! Our skilled providers can assess your situation and refer you to emergency care if needed. We make care convenient with locations in Carrollton, Villa Rica and Bremen.
You can even use On My Way in Tanner MyChart to reserve your place in line before you arrive, ensuring you spend less time in the waiting room. Just provide a few basic details about your visit and check in with the registration staff when you get there.
Need help now? Visit tanner.org/urgent-care to view wait times, schedule your visit or connect virtually.