When Should You Go to the Emergency Room? A Complete Guide

Deciding whether to go to the emergency room, visit urgent care, or wait for a doctor's appointment is a common and stressful dilemma. Going to the ER when it is not necessary can mean long wait times and expensive bills. But waiting too long when you truly need emergency care can be life-threatening. This guide will help you recognize the situations that demand an ER visit and the ones where a different care setting may be more appropriate.

Always Go to the ER for These Symptoms

Certain symptoms are red flags that require immediate emergency department care. Do not wait, drive to urgent care, or try to schedule a doctor's appointment if you or someone near you experiences any of the following:

• Chest pain or pressure -- especially if it spreads to the arm, jaw, or back, or is accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, or sweating. These are signs of a possible heart attack.
• Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, confusion, or vision loss -- these are signs of stroke. Remember the acronym FAST: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911.
• Severe difficulty breathing that is not relieved by rest or a rescue inhaler.
• Uncontrolled or heavy bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure.
• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) with throat swelling, difficulty breathing, or hives spreading rapidly. Use an EpiPen if available and call 911.
• Head injuries with loss of consciousness, vomiting, confusion, or worsening headache.
• Seizures lasting more than 5 minutes or occurring in someone with no seizure history.
• Poisoning or overdose -- call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or 911 immediately.

Urgent Care May Be the Better Choice

Urgent care centers handle non-life-threatening conditions that still need same-day attention. They are typically faster and significantly less expensive than the ER. Consider urgent care for:

• Minor fractures, sprains, and strains
• Cuts that may need stitches but are not gushing blood
• High fever (under 104F in adults) with flu-like symptoms
• Urinary tract infections and mild allergic reactions
• Ear infections, pink eye, and mild skin infections
• Back pain that is uncomfortable but does not involve numbness or loss of bladder control

The Cost Difference Is Significant

An average ER visit in the United States costs between $1,200 and $3,000, even before any imaging or procedures. An urgent care visit typically costs between $100 and $350. This does not mean you should avoid the ER when you need it -- the cost of delayed care for a heart attack or stroke is incomparably higher. But for conditions that are uncomfortable rather than dangerous, urgent care offers faster, more affordable treatment.

Special Considerations for Children

Children present unique emergency situations. Take a child to the ER immediately for:

• Fever above 100.4F in infants under 3 months old
• Difficulty breathing, including rapid breathing, flared nostrils, or retractions (skin pulling between ribs)
• Dehydration signs: no wet diapers for 8 or more hours, no tears when crying, sunken soft spot
• Seizures of any duration
• Injuries involving potential head or spinal trauma

When in doubt about a child's symptoms, call your pediatrician's after-hours line. Many can help you decide whether the situation requires an ER visit.

How to Prepare for an ER Visit

If you determine that an ER visit is necessary, bring the following to help the medical team provide the best care:

1. Photo ID and insurance card
2. A list of all current medications and dosages
3. A list of known allergies (medications, food, latex)
4. A brief description of your symptoms and when they started
5. Contact information for your primary care physician

Use HospitalMatch to find hospitals near you before an emergency happens so you already know where the nearest highly rated emergency department is located. You can also learn more about what hospital ratings measure and how to choose the right hospital for your needs.