Emergency Department or Urgent Care? Which is Right for You?

Hospital emergency departments across the country are seeing record numbers of patient visits. At Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, the ED averages 170 patients every day. About 15% of those patients are pediatric.

In recent weeks, the number of patients seen at the emergency department at OHRH has increased slightly, seeing an additional 30-40 more patients a day, and admitting 30-35% of those (previously 25%). Sometimes the high number of patients can cause long wait times, so how do you know if you really need to go to the emergency department, or if you can go to an urgent care or a doctor's office instead?

When to Go to the Emergency Department

Every injury or sickness is unique. It's vital to figure out how severe your situation is. If the injury or illness is life-threatening or might cause permanent harm, go to the emergency department.

The emergency department is where you will get treatment for serious illnesses and injuries. If it's a life-threatening emergency, call 911 so first responders can provide care right away. Emergency departments are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Owensboro Health Regional Hospital Emergency Department is busiest between 4 and 7 p.m.

Some symptoms or health issues that may need an emergency room visit include:

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Slurred speech
• Vision problems, such as double vision or loss of vision
• Severe dizziness
• Broken bones or dislocated joints
• Head injuries, loss of consciousness, fainting, confusion or seizures
• Burns with blisters
• Severe abdominal pain
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Larger cuts that may require stitches
• Fever over 103 degrees or fever with a rash
• Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy
• Poisoning
• Mental health crisis

If you think you're having an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest ER. Depending on your health insurance plan, ER visits often require a copay (like urgent care centers and clinics), and sometimes other fees. ER copays are usually higher than urgent care copays because the level of care is more complex.

When to Go to Urgent Care or a Walk-in Clinic

Urgent care can be a good option if you have an injury or illness that isn't as severe, but you need to see a doctor the same day. Many urgent care and walk-in clinics are open during times when your primary care clinic may be closed, like early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays.

Some symptoms that may prompt a same-day visit to urgent care include:

• Wheezing or mild shortness of breath
• Sprains or strains
• Minor burns without blisters
• Small cuts that may need stitches
• Fever without a rash
• Flu symptoms, sore throat or ear pain
• Eye discharge
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Painful urination
• Animal or insect bite
• Minor allergic reactions

Owensboro Health Urgent Care Ford, at 2211 Mayfair Ave Suite 101 in Owensboro, offers these services you may not be aware of:

• Onsite testing for flu, COVID-19, RSV and strep throat
• Onsite labs and x-ray
• Owensboro Health Children’s Center has full access to the visit encounters and providers can message your Owensboro Health providers
• Nebulizer treatments
• Visits for children 3 months and older
• Repair of most lacerations
• Telehealth visits available
• Sports physicals
• Referrals to other Owensboro Health providers

Urgent care wait times are typically shorter than ER wait times. Copays at urgent care clinics are usually about the same or slightly higher than primary care.

When to Schedule a Primary Care or Telehealth Visit

For non-urgent health needs, it's best to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. Many healthcare organizations, including Owensboro Health, offer telehealth appointments. These can sometimes be scheduled for the same day or the next day. Telehealth allows you to stay home instead of having to go to a clinic.

Some symptoms or health concerns that can wait for a primary care visit include:

• Ear pain
• Cold and flu symptoms like cough, congestion or sore throat
• Urinary tract infection
• Pink eye
• Minor cuts and burns
• Non-life-threatening allergies
• Respiratory infection
• Medication refills

Depending on how busy your healthcare clinic is, you may wait several days to see a provider in person or via telehealth. However, you only pay a standard health insurance copay for these visits.

If you're not sure where to go for medical care, call your primary care provider's office first. You can also contact our 24-hour health information line at 877-888-6647 to help you determine the best course of care.