As a doctor, I often get asked, “Do I go to the Emergency Room or should I head to Urgent Care?”
It's a valid question, especially when you're feeling under the weather or dealing with a health concern, but you're not sure how urgent it is. The good news is, there’s an easy answer for most cases.
In most situations, urgent care is a great option—especially if your symptoms or illness are ones, you'd typically see your primary care doctor for. Urgent care services are designed to provide convenient, timely care for a wide range of non-emergency conditions.
So, what conditions are best suited for urgent care? Here's a list of common reasons people visit urgent care centers:
- Cough, cold, or flu symptoms
- Sinus infections, sore throats, or earaches
- Bronchitis, mild asthma, or wheezing
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Ear infections and eye infections
- Minor injuries like sprains, strains, lacerations, and mild burns
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs), infected wounds, or insect bites
- Skin issues like rashes (without a fever), poison ivy, or tick bites
- Neck or back pain, and animal bites or scratches
Many times, you might find yourself feeling unwell but can't get an appointment with your primary care doctor that same day. That's where urgent care centers really shine!
They're set up to provide you with quick and effective care when you need it most, without the long wait times associated with emergency rooms.
One of the great things about urgent care is the extended hours. Unlike your primary care provider, whose office may be closed after hours or on weekends, urgent care centers—especially those operated by organizations like Community Health Connections—are open after hours and on weekends.
That makes it easier to get care when your doctor's office is unavailable.
At our urgent care centers, we also offer lab services, so you can get tests done quickly and conveniently. Whether it's a strep test, a COVID-19 test, or a urine test for a suspected infection, our team is here to provide the necessary care to help you feel better as soon as possible.
We have three convenient locations for you to visit:
- Leominster Urgent Care, 165 Mill Street
- South Gardner Urgent Care, 529 Timpany Boulevard
- Downtown Fitchburg Urgent Care, 130 Water Street
If you're ever unsure whether to go to the emergency room or urgent care, check our website for more details about the services we offer and how we can help. We’re here to take great care of you when you need it!
Remember, urgent care is designed for non-emergency conditions that require immediate attention.
For more severe or life-threatening situations (like chest pain, severe bleeding, or difficulty breathing), always head straight to the emergency room or call 911.
Stay healthy and take care of yourself!
Dr. Mark Franciosa, MD