ER or Urgent Care?
Sometimes, it’s obvious when to head to the emergency room, but other times, it can be more difficult to tell. The following are some options of where you can get care, based on your specific needs. Luckily, you have the whole WakeMed network for support.
Conditions Typically Treated by a Primary Care Provider
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Asthma attacks (minor), bronchitis
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Colds, cough, flu, fevers
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Dehydration
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Ear infection
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Migraines
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Minor burns, cuts/lacerations
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Nausea
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Pink eye
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Sore throat
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Sprain or strain
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Allergic reaction
Most primary care physicians are accepting new patients and leave room in their schedule for ‘sick’ visits from their regular patients. If it’s after hours or your primary care physician is unavailable, you should visit an urgent care office.
Conditions Typically Treated in an Urgent Care
- Sinus infections
- Cold or flu symptoms
- Minor cuts, burns or skin rashes
- Animal/insect bites
- Sprains and minor bone fractures
- Ear and eye infections
- Sore throat
- Minor injuries
Virtual Urgent Care provides fast and convenient urgent care with trusted WakeMed providers for patients age 4 months and up.
Conditions Typically Treated in an Emergency Room
- Chest pain
- Stroke
- Severe allergic reaction
- Serious trauma or injury
- Deep cuts or bleeding that won’t stop
- Large bone fractures
- Problems related to pregnancy
- Severe burns
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Abdominal pain
- Poisoning: In North Carolina, call the Carolinas Poison Control Center at (800) 848-6946. Calling the National Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222 connects callers to the nearest poison control center.
This information is provided as a courtesy to our patients. Consistent with federal law, WakeMed will provide a medical screening examination to every patient who comes to the Emergency Department, along with any required stabilizing medical care for identified emergency medical conditions or an appropriate transfer to a facility equipped to provide the needed stabilizing care.
Find ER Care Now
Need Emergency Care? With Find ER Care Now, you can choose your emergency room, check wait times and let us know you are on the way.
It’s easy, download the WakeMed MyChart app today.
Download WakeMed MyChart to Get Started
