Urgent Care vs. Emergency Care: What’s the Difference?

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.

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

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

Dr. Mishkin: Yes, recently we’ve been seeing a significant increase in respiratory infections across all of our Baptist Health Urgent Care locations and Emergency Rooms. These are mostly viral, such as influenza, which has been extremely active this season and COVID-19, which is still present but not in the numbers we’ve seen in previous years.

Gastrointestinal illness is also very common this time of year. Increased travel, changes in weather, and gatherings with family and friends are all contributing factors. Norovirus, a gastrointestinal virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea, has been active in South Florida this winter.

RESOURCE: Can these illnesses be treated in an urgent care setting?

Dr. Mishkin: When people come down with illnesses like these, which can very often present suddenly or acutely, they’re looking for both 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 rooms are readily available to help evaluate and manage them so they can get back to feeling better as soon as possible.

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: 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 rooms 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: 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 rooms.

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. 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.

If you have an illness or injury that needs immediate attention, there is a Baptist Health Urgent Care location or Emergency Room near you, ready and waiting to provide the high-quality, compassionate care Baptist Health is known for. To find a location near you, visit BaptistHealth.net/GetCareNow.