Whether it’s a sore throat, an earache, a sprain, or a gash that looks like it’s probably going to need stitches, when an illness or injury strikes that requires immediate medical care, you’re probably wondering: “Should I go to urgent care or the emergency room?”
Your decision is imperative, as it can impact both your health and your wallet. So, what should you do? Here’s a breakdown to help you determine when a visit to Xpress Wellness Urgent Care is the right choice, and when heading to the ER is the better way to go.
When to Go to Urgent Care
Urgent care clinics are the go-between for your primary care physician and the emergency room. For unexpected illnesses or minor injuries that need to be addressed faster than you can get an appointment with your general practitioner, but aren’t severe enough to require immediate medical intervention, urgent care is a great solution. At Xpress Wellness Urgent Care, we’re equipped to handle various types of mild and moderate illnesses and injuries. Examples of common ailments our providers treat include:
- Fevers, colds, and flu-like symptoms
- Coughs, sore throats, and stuffy noses
- Sprains, strains, and minor fractures
- Rashes and minor allergic reactions
- Cuts and lacerations that may require stitches
- Signs of poisoning or dehydration
From sniffles to sprained ankles, our clinics across Oklahoma and Kansas make it easy to get the care you need for illnesses and injuries that can’t wait. For prompt care, simply walk into one of our conveniently located clinics, or check in online to save your spot in line and minimize your wait time.
When to Head to the Emergency Room
In some cases, the symptoms you are experiencing may require immediate medical intervention. For serious, sudden, and severe situations, it’s best to go to the ER. If your symptoms include any of the following, play it safe and seek emergency care:
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Seizures, dizziness, or sudden numbness in the arms, legs, or face
- Severe abdominal pain
- Head injuries coupled with severe headaches or paralysis
- Deep wounds or persistent bleeding
- Loss of consciousness
ER vs Urgent Care: A Cost and Convenience Comparison
When it comes to deciding between urgent care and emergency care, cost is often one of the top factors taken into consideration. While emergency rooms can handle mild, acute, and life-threatening situations, the cost of care can be significantly higher. Plus, wait times tend to be a lot longer.
For illnesses and injuries that aren’t severe but need to be addressed quickly, urgent care can be a much more affordable option. The average ER bill in Kansas and Oklahoma is between $1300 and $1500. The average bill from visiting Xpress Wellness Urgent Care is around $150. All Xpress Wellness Urgent Care clinics accept most major insurance plans and offer competitive self-pay rates.
Additionally, our clinics are conveniently located throughout Oklahoma and Kansas, providing immediate treatment so you can get the care you need without any unnecessary stress.
We Offer More Than Urgent Care
At Xpress Wellness, we are more than just an urgent care. At our state-of-the-art clinics, we offer a variety of healthcare services, including:
- Primary Care: Routine check-ups, preventative screenings, and chronic condition management, we cover all your health care needs.
- Virtual Care: With our virtual urgent and primary care services, you can receive treatment anywhere.
- Behavioral Health: Depression, anxiety, stress, and more; we provide compassionate support for behavioral health challenges.
- Occupational Medicine: From exams to injuries, we attend to your work-related medical needs.
Whether you wake up feeling under the weather, sustain a sudden injury, or need a routine exam, we’ve got you covered. No matter what service you require, you can count on our licensed providers for attentive, personalized care.
Xpress Wellness: Your Source for Convenient, Affordable Urgent Care
If you’re feeling symptoms of an illness coming on, have sustained a minor injury, or need an annual check-up, Xpress Wellness is ready to provide the care you need. No appointment is needed. You can walk in to be seen. Find a location near you and walk in or check in online before you arrive to save your spot in line. When it comes to your health, you deserve the best care, and at Xpress Wellness, that’s exactly what we provide.
