Download ER vs. urgent care

Can’t wait to feel better?
It’s tempting to rush to the emergency room (ER) when you need care now, but urgent care can be a
better choice. Use the chart below to help you decide where to go when it’s between “ouch” and
“OMG.”
Visit healthpartners.com/urgentcare to find the urgent care clinic nearest to you.
Urgent Care
ER
How long can
care wait?
Care can’t wait, but you don’t
need an ambulance.
You need care now. You have a
major medical trauma or issue.
What time is
it?
Typically open daily from early
morning until 9 p.m. or later.
Open 24/7.
What’s going
on?
-
Earache/pain
Pink eye
Sore/strep throat
Low back pain
Headache
Rash
Flu
Bladder infection
Joint/muscle pain
-
Persistent chest pain
Persistent shortness of
breath or wheezing
Head injury
Severe pain
Loss of balance or fainting
Broken bones
Intestinal bleeding
Serious cut or burn
How much
will you pay?
$$$
$$$$
How long will
your visit
take?
Average visit 45 minutes or less.1
Average visit more than 4 hours.2
Remember to always call 911 or go to the ER in life-threatening situations.