Knowing ER vs. urgent care Published Sept. 7, 2011 By Shari Lopatin TriWest Healthcare Alliance MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The cost of an emergency room visit is typically as much as 10 times more in expense than an urgent care visit. Although the emergency room can appear a convenient and available choice, some situations may be best suited for urgent care. Below is a list of medical illnesses that are categorized to distinguish type of care: Urgent care - An illness or injury that won't cause disability or death if not treated immediately, but needs medical attention to keep from becoming a greater threat; examples include: · Minor lacerations · Urinary tract infections · Earaches · Migraine headaches · Sprains · Rising fever Emergency room - Anything severe enough to reasonably believe life, limb or eyesight could be threatened. This includes maternity and psychiatric emergencies, as well as; examples include: · No pulse · Inability to breathe · Spinal cord or back injury · Severe bleeding · Chest pains · Severe eye injuries · Broken bones · Car accident Aside from the extra costs of emergency rooms, they are typically crowded, and can lead to longer wait times for you. If getting ready to run to the ER next time, plan on asking if it really is an emergency. Overall, it's important to make the right choice and save space for patients who truly need emergency care. For more information on the differences between E.R. and urgent care, visit www.triwest.com/UrgentCare.