Emergency vs Urgent Care

Little girl with cast on arm

Should you go to the ER or urgent care?

When an illness or injury occurs, it can sometimes be tough to decide where to seek care. Should you rush to the emergency room, or is it something that could be cared for at an urgent care facility?

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Not sure if your medical crisis is an emergency or something that can wait until the next day? If you have a sudden, unexpected medical condition that could endanger your life or seriously harm your health if not treated immediately by a licensed medical professional, you should seek care at an emergency room or call 9-1-1. Urgent care may be an option for you if you have an injury or illness that requires medical attention within a few hours of onset.

Emergency medical conditions include:

  • Severe or worsening COVID-19 symptoms, such as difficulty breathing
  • Suspected heart attack or stroke
  • Sudden or extreme difficulty breathing
  • Bleeding that will not stop or deep cuts
  • Major burns
  • Seizure
  • Sudden and severe headache
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Suspected poisoning

Learn more about Olathe Health’s emergency services.

Urgent medical conditions include:

  • Burns and lacerations
  • Sprains and strains
  • Cough, colds and sore throats
  • Mild COVID-19 symptoms
  • Ear and sinus infections
  • Allergies and non-life threatening allergic reactions
  • Fever and flu
  • Skin irritations and rashes
  • Insect bites and stings
  • Animal bites
  • Broken bones
  • Urinary tract infections

Learn more about Olathe Health’s urgent care services.