Urgent vs. Emergency Care
To receive the most appropriate medical care, it's important to know the difference between urgency and emergency care.
Know Where to Go
Call 911 immediately or go directly to the nearest emergency department for life-threatening conditions, such as:
- Chest pain (including the feeling of pressure or squeezing)
- Stroke symptoms (slurred speech, numbness or weakness in part of your body, loss of balance or vision)
- Severe head injury
- Dilated pupils, or trouble waking up or staying awake
- Loss of consciousness
- Shortness of breath
- Seizures
- Severe allergic reactions
- Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy
- Bleeding that won't stop
- Severe abdominal pain
- Broken bones
- Major burns
Get Care Quickly
For common issues like back pain, eye irritation, or sore throat, try On-Demand Virtual Care from your phone or computer.
For quick, in-person help with non-emergencies, urgent care is also available.
Not sure where to go?
Explore the different types of care available to find what’s right for you.
On-Demand Virtual Care
Talk to a St. Luke's provider every day from the comfort of your home on your computer or smartphone. Learn more
Virtual Care ServiceUnavailable8 a.m. – 8 p.m. today
Urgent Care
Urgent care centers provide walk-in treatment for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries that require prompt attention.
to see Urgent Care locations near you
Not sure where to go?
Explore the different types of care available to find what’s right for you.