When to go to the ER vs urgent care
Chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe bleeding, or difficulty breathing = ER. Fever, minor injuries, UTI, or rash = urgent care or an online visit. A provider can help triage online.
Also called: ER or urgent care · when to go to ER · urgent care vs emergency
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ikechukwu Ogbu, MD
MD · Board-Certified, Internal Medicine · Last reviewed
Where this comes up clinically
Conditions this topic is usually discussed alongside. Not a recommendation to start, stop, or change any medication.
Abdominal pain
Commonly relevant for people looking into "When to go to the ER vs urgent care" — worth reviewing with a clinician who knows your history.
Anxiety
Commonly relevant for people looking into "When to go to the ER vs urgent care" — worth reviewing with a clinician who knows your history.
When to see a clinician
- You're starting, stopping, or switching a medication and want a clinician's read on side effects
- You've had a new symptom you think might be medication-related
- You're due for the lab monitoring this medication requires
- You want a second opinion on whether the medication is still the right choice