Emergency Room or Walk-In? When to Head Where

When it comes to your health, knowing where to seek treatment can save you time and money. For the last few years, walk-in / urgent care clinics have become a more well-known choice for mild ailments and injuries that fall somewhere between the emergency room and primary care grey area. So if you are still not familiar with when to head to a walk-in clinic vs. an emergency room, we are here to help.

Should You Go to a Walk-In Clinic or the Emergency Room?

You don’t need a previously scheduled appointment for a walk-in clinic or an emergency room visit. However, for any minor injuries and non-life threatening ailments that can’t wait until your next primary care visit, a walk-in clinic is best. You can expect quick, professional care at a fraction of the emergency room cost, and a far better wait time. A walk-in shouldn’t replace your primary care provider, though. For severe injuries, burns, and illnesses, you’ll want to head straight to the emergency room.

What are The Advantages of a Walk-In Clinic?

Sometimes getting an appointment at your primary care doctor can take days or weeks, and heading to the emergency room for a mild injury can not only be costly, but time-consuming. Walk-ins are known for their flexible hours, on-demand care, and lower costs than your general emergency room. Some of the common reasons you may visit a walk-in clinic include:

• Falls and strains
• Skin rashes and infections
• Abdominal pain
• Cold and flu symptoms
• Mild burns
• Mild sport or work injuries

At the Campbell County Medical Group Walk-in Clinic in Gillette, Wyoming, we also offer Occupational Health services, x-ray and lab tests, along with a variety of other services from professional physicians and physician assistants. If you find yourself experiencing allergy symptoms, fever, headache or suffer a fall, the CCMG Walk-in Clinic is here to assist. Save your spot in line, or walk in today! Learn more at www.cchwyo.org/wic.

As a general rule of thumb, go to the Campbell County Memorial Hospital Emergency Department (ED) when your illness seems life threatening, like a heart attack or poisoning. Visit the CCMG Walk-in Clinic when it is serious but not life threatening, and needs to be seen today, not tomorrow. Remember, call 911 if the situation seems immediately life threatening. Learn more at www.cchwyo.org/erorwic.