Life-Threatening vs. Needs Attention: Your WithCare Decision Guide

Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room: How to Know Where to Go

When an unexpected illness or injury strikes, knowing whether to visit urgent care or the emergency room can feel overwhelming. Understanding the difference helps you get the right care quickly—while avoiding unnecessary costs or delays. At WithCare Urgent Care, serving Hurst, Bedford, Euless, and surrounding communities, our goal is to make that choice easier by helping you recognize when urgent care is appropriate and when emergency care is essential.

When to Choose Urgent Care

Urgent care clinics are designed for medical issues that need timely attention but are not life-threatening. If your condition can’t wait for a primary care appointment but doesn’t pose a serious danger, urgent care is typically the best option.

You should consider visiting WithCare Urgent Care for:

• Mild to moderate illnesses such as flu symptoms, cough, sore throat, fever, nausea, or ear infections

• Minor injuries like sprains, simple fractures, cuts that may require stitches, minor burns, or bruises

• Infections including sinus infections, urinary tract infections, and skin infections

• Allergic reactions that are mild and manageable

• Diagnostic services like X-rays, rapid flu or strep testing, COVID-19 testing, and lab work

• Everyday medical needs such as physical exams, vaccines, and medication refills

Urgent care offers shorter wait times than the ER and is more affordable for most common illnesses and injuries. At WithCare Urgent Care, you can walk in without an appointment and receive fast, high-quality care from an experienced medical team.

When to Go to the Emergency Room

The emergency room is the right place for severe, life-threatening, or potentially disabling conditions. If you experience symptoms that could indicate a medical emergency, call 911 or go directly to the nearest ER.

Seek emergency care for:

• Chest pain, especially if it radiates to the arm, jaw, or back

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Severe abdominal pain

• Head injuries, loss of consciousness, or confusion

• Stroke symptoms such as facial drooping, slurred speech, or sudden weakness

• Uncontrolled bleeding

• Severe burns

• Major fractures or bones protruding through the skin

• Seizures or sudden severe headaches

If a condition could permanently harm you or someone else without immediate and specialized care, the ER is the correct choice.

Still Not Sure? We’re Here to Help

Sometimes symptoms fall into a gray area. When in doubt, you can call WithCare Urgent Care for guidance. Our team can help determine whether your condition can be safely treated in urgent care or whether you should head to the ER. We are committed to ensuring you receive the most appropriate, timely care available.

Your Neighborhood Urgent Care Partner

Serving the Hurst, Bedford, and Euless communities, WithCare Urgent Care is here to provide accessible, patient-centered medical care for non-emergency needs. We offer extended hours, walk-in availability, and a friendly, knowledgeable team dedicated to your well-being.

Knowing where to go in a medical situation can bring peace of mind—and getting the right care can make all the difference. Count on WithCare Urgent Care to be here when you need us most.