The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there were 129.8 million visits to the emergency room in 2010. Maybe you were one of them. Sometimes situations arise and there is confusion about where to get treatment – emergency room or urgent care center. If you're not sure where to go, read on. Making the right choice could save your life.
I have had heartburn for more than a week, and can't get it under control, where should I go?
ER
Urgent Care
Occasional bouts of heartburn are common. But, if the heartburn seems worse or different than usual, especially if it occurs during physical activity or is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, nausea, or pain radiating into your shoulder and arm, go to the emergency room. These signs and symptoms may indicate a heart attack.
The American Heart Association also advises those who have had a heart attack before, experience new chest discomfort, have heart disease, diabetes, smoke, or have high cholesterol should seek medical attention immediately.
My son was playing basketball, landed funny and twisted his ankle. Now he can hardly walk on it, where should I go?
ER
Urgent Care
It's most likely a sprain, but you'd want to see a physician to be sure. A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament and the signs usually include pain, tenderness and swelling. A severe sprain also can be extremely painful. Your doctor will usually be able to tell if you have a sprain by examining your ankle. He may also want to take an x-ray to ensure it's not fractured. All three of Porter's CareEXPRESS Urgent Care locations have on-site x-ray, so the x-ray may be done at the same time as the exam.
Porter Regional Hospital and Portage Hospital each have emergency departments staffed with clinical professionals specially trained in emergency medicine.
Porter also has three CareEXPRESS Urgent Care Centers – in Chesterton, Valparaiso and Portage – all open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with physicians and walk-in care for illnesses, injuries, sports physicals and more. Lab and x-ray are also available.