Urgent Care vs. Emergency Care
The hacking cough that just won’t go away. The bug bite that won’t stop itching. A nagging pain that arises out of nowhere. Illness and injury can strike at any moment, and sometimes it can be difficult to determine where you should go for care when symptoms become a concern and your primary care provider is unable to see you right away. Fairfield Medical Center’s Urgent Care is open seven days a week, with extended hours during the week, to care for you when you need relief from a minor illness or injury. If you fear your condition has the potential to be life or limb-threatening, it’s crucial that you call 911 or go to the Emergency Department.
When should I go to the Urgent Care?
Urgent cares are designed to help patients with minor illnesses or injuries get relief quickly – without having to wait for an appointment with their primary care provider. The healthcare team at FMC’s Urgent Care can order basic labs and imaging tests, as well as prescribe medication to help you feel better until you can follow-up with your primary care provider. Some common ailments that can be treated at the urgent care include:
- Back or muscle pain
- Minor cuts or burns
- Sprains or joint pain
- Respiratory infection
- Skin conditions
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (such as vomiting or diarrhea)
When should I go to the Emergency Department?
Fairfield Medical Center has two Emergency Departments in Lancaster that are open seven days a week, 24 hours a day for patients who are experiencing a life or limb-threatening health condition that requires immediate medical attention. Unlike an urgent care, the Emergency Department has experienced Emergency Department physicians, staff and equipment to provide life or limb-saving care. They also have access to consult our skilled team of specialists such as cardiologists, pulmonologists and orthopedic surgeons when needed. If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you need emergency care and should not go to the urgent care or wait to see your provider:
- Chest pain
- Head injury
- Shortness of breath
- Severe headaches
- Seizure
- Severe abdominal pain
- Paralysis
- Compound fracture (where the bone is protruding through the skin)
- Severe allergic reaction
- Loss of consciousness
- Trauma
You should also go to the Emergency Department if you have an underlying health condition, such as diabetes, heart failure or cancer, that could be exacerbated by the symptoms of an otherwise minor illness. In any type of emergency, it’s always important to call 911 and not drive yourself to the hospital, especially if you are experiencing signs of a stroke or heart attack. EMS workers can care for you on the ride to the hospital and can let Emergency Department staff know that you are on the way, allowing them to prepare for your arrival.
To learn more about urgent and emergency care at Fairfield Medical Center, visit https://www.fmchealth.org/services/emergencyandurgentcare/. FMC’s Urgent Care, located at 1155 E. Main St. in Lancaster is open from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Fairfield Medical Center’s Emergency Departments are located at 401. N. Ewing St. in Lancaster and 2384 N. Memorial Drive in Lancaster.