If your condition is not urgent, such as a sore throat or congestion, call your primary care physician to see if you can schedule a same-day appointment.
The emergency department isn’t the only option when you need care fast.
Know where to go.
For conditions that can’t wait, but are not severe, such as cuts or deep scrapes, go to urgent care. You can often get care faster and at a lower cost than if you went to the emergency department.
For conditions that are severe or life-threatening, go to the emergency department. Specialists are ready to give you the care you need for symptoms such as chest pain, severe abdominal pain, or blurred vision.