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Emergency and Urgent Care Guide
Emergency room
What it is: A hospital or primary care department that staffs board-certified emergency physicians trained to deal with medical crises. Provides initial treatment to patients and operates around the clock.
When to go: Whenever you are dealing with chest discomfort, breathing difficulties, bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes of continuous pressure or any other serious symptom or injury. Don’t wait. Act quickly.
What you should know: Individuals with the most severe symptoms are typically seen first, so you may wait longer than you would like if your problem is minor.
Emergency room express
What it is: A department within the ER that deals with patients who need care but are not severely ill. May have a name such as Express Care or Fast Track. Staffed by specially trained emergency physicians and nurses.
When to go: For minor emergencies such as broken bones, stitches or dehydration caused by an infection or a virus.
What you should know: Waits are often shorter than a traditional emergency room. May not be open 24/7. Typically treated as the most basic level of emergency care by insurance providers.
Urgent care clinic
What it is: A clinic that is typically open during night and weekend hours when many doctors’ offices are closed. May or may not be affiliated with a hospital group.
When to go: If your primary care doctor is unavailable and you have a health issue that is not complicated and does not require extensive medical testing. Examples include fever, back or stomach pain, or ear infection.
What you should know: Convenient, but you will be dealing with a doctor who doesn’t know your medical history. Preventive care is not available. Should not take the place of going to a family doctor. Most insurance companies will cover urgent care as a regular medical office visit if you go to a clinic that is accepted by your provider.
In-store clinic
What it is: Sometimes referred to as “doc-in-a-box,” these clinics are found inside select stores of major retail chains. In Michigan, clinics are currently in some Meijer and CVS/pharmacy stores. Often staffed by nurse practitioners, who can treat ailments and write prescriptions.
When to go: For less serious problems such as sore throats, sprains or cuts.
What you should know: Charges flat rates for a predefined set of illnesses so patients without insurance can get treated and pay cash. At press time, most services cost betwen $25 and $59. Receipts are provided for reimbursement by insurance providers. Again, in-store clinics are not for preventive care and should not take the place of going to a family doctor.
Jedd Roe, M.D., chairman of emergency medicine at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak; Steven Pearl, M.D., medical director of emergency medicine at Crittenton Hospital in Rochester; and Kenneth Bollin, M.D., chief of family medicine at St. John Hospital and Medical Center in Detroit, were consulted for this guide.