Do You Need Urgent Care or the ER? Insights From an Expert

Not so very long ago, if you had an illness or injury that couldn’t wait for your regular doctor’s office hours, the emergency room (ER) at your local hospital was your only option. Today, your choices have multiplied.

Baptist Health, for instance, has emergency departments in all 12 of its area hospitals, as well as several freestanding emergency departments and dozens of Urgent Care and Urgent Care Express locations across the region.

So when should you go to one or the other? Resource editors spoke with David Mishkin, M.D., an emergency medicine specialist with Baptist Health, who offered helpful tips on when—and where—you should seek care when waiting to see a doctor tomorrow isn’t an option.

RESOURCE: If a person is feeling sick, when should they seek urgent or emergency care?

Dr. Mishkin: It depends on what your symptoms are, along with your past medical history. We advise patients who are older, who have chronic medical conditions or significant symptoms, to be seen as early as possible. Baptist Health Virtual Urgent Care is a great resource to help patients make those decisions. 

RESOURCE: If a person is injured, when should they consider urgent or emergency care?

Dr. Mishkin: Injuries should be evaluated promptly. Patients may need wound care, splinting or other acute treatment. All of our Urgent Care and Urgent Care Express locations are equipped with x-rays and more advanced imaging is available in all of our hospital Emergency Departments.

RESOURCE: What are the primary differences in services provided by urgent care versus emergency care?

Dr. Mishkin: There is a lot of overlap here for minor medical conditions but our Emergency Departments are equipped to evaluate and treat our sickest patients—those with more life-threatening or serious conditions. It is important to always call 911 first when you or a loved one is experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency. Every minute matters.

RESOURCE: What about a virtual visit – is that an option for someone who needs urgent care?

Dr. Mishkin: Virtual visits are a convenient first-line resource that lets you quickly connect with a provider who can help diagnose and treat your symptoms and even guide you to where to get care if you need to be seen in person. We encourage patients to use our virtual urgent care option on our convenient and secure Baptist Health PineApp.

RESOURCE: Do you tend to see an increase in Urgent Care and ER visits during the summer? 

Dr. Mishkin: Yes, we always see more urgent care and ER visits in summer. From swimmers with ear infections to people with heat exhaustion, it’s part of what we prepare for each year. In fact, Florida leads the nation in hospital visits for heat-related conditions. People can do their part by taking simple preventive steps, such as staying hydrated, using sunscreen and avoiding strenuous activity during peak afternoon heat.

RESOURCE: What about viral illnesses this time of year?

Dr. Mishkin: Our Urgent Care centers have been reporting a lot of viral infections lately. These include colds, flu and COVID-19, which is still present but not in the numbers we’ve seen in previous years. We are equipped to treat seasonal viruses quickly and safely. When people come down with the flu or COVID-19—both of which can very often present suddenly or acutely—they’re looking to us to provide evaluation and symptomatic relief. Most of these illnesses will resolve themselves in time but patients very often will need additional supportive medications to feel better. Our Urgent Care locations and Emergency Departments are readily available to help evaluate and manage them so they can get back to feeling better as soon as possible.

RESOURCE: Why should someone consider Baptist Health for urgent or emergency care?

Dr. Mishkin: Every one of our Baptist Health sites across South Florida is staffed with highly trained nurses and clinicians who provide compassionate, high-quality care for the ill and injured. Our network of same-day care services work together to help our patients navigate any acute or sudden medical need. Baptist Health Virtual Urgent Care is quick and easy. The providers are available 24/7 and can help with diagnosis and treatment and can assist in referring patients to our in-person location if needed.

In addition, our Urgent Care locations are staffed by board-certified physicians and offer onsite labs and advanced imaging like x-rays and CT scans if needed. Lastly, our ERs are where you go for more serious concerns. Regardless of where you get care at Baptist Health, we take a great deal of pride in this responsibility and are readily available to help when needed.

RESOURCE: Any parting thoughts for our readers?

Dr. Mishkin: Make sure to take care of both your physical and mental health. Exercise, nutrition and sleep should be a priority for everyone.

Feel Better for Free This Summer

Now through August 31, get free 24/7 virtual urgent care from Baptist Health, no insurance needed. Access care on your desktop or wherever you happen to be with the Baptist Health PineApp.

David Mishkin, M.D., an emergency medicine specialist with Baptist Health