When Should You Go to Urgent Care vs ER?

At Acton and Canton Urgent Care, we understand that deciding where to seek medical attention can be confusing, especially when you or a loved one is not feeling well.

When to Choose Urgent Care:

Our experienced medical team can treat a wide range of conditions, including:

• Minor sprains, strains, and simple fractures
• Mild asthma attacks or wheezing
• Minor cuts, scrapes, or burns (including those that may need stitches)
• Rashes or allergic reactions without severe swelling or difficulty breathing
• Sore throats, ear infections, or sinus infections
• Mild to moderate flu or cold symptoms
• Urinary tract infections
• Mild abdominal pain

If your regular doctor’s office is closed or you need quick attention for a non-emergency issue, our urgent care centers in Acton and Canton are ready to help—no appointment necessary.

When to Go to the Emergency Room:

Some symptoms and injuries require more advanced, immediate care that only an emergency room can provide. Please go directly to the ER or call 911 if you are experiencing:

• Severe chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Signs of a stroke (sudden weakness, numbness, confusion, or trouble speaking)
• Severe bleeding or deep wounds
• Head injury with loss of consciousness
• Serious burns covering large areas
• Any situation where you believe your life is at risk

If you experience any of the following symptoms, please call 911 or proceed directly to the nearest emergency room, rather than coming to our urgent care clinic:

• Chest pain or pressure, especially if it radiates to your arm, jaw, or back (possible sign of a heart attack).
• Difficulty breathing, severe shortness of breath, or sudden inability to breathe.
• Signs of stroke include sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, confusion, trouble speaking, vision changes, or loss of coordination.
• Head injuries with loss of consciousness, vomiting, confusion, or persistent severe headache.
• Severe abdominal pain that is sudden, intense, or associated with vomiting, fever, or blood in vomit/stool.
• Major trauma from accidents or falls, especially with visible deformity, open wounds, or heavy bleeding that does not stop with pressure.
• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), such as swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or widespread hives.
• Seizures lasting longer than a few minutes or in someone without a known seizure disorder.
• Sudden severe headache described as the “worst headache ever”.
• Suspected poisoning or overdose.
• Severe burns.
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea causing dehydration.
• New confusion, difficulty waking, or sudden behavioral changes.

If you or someone around you experiences any of these symptoms, please err on the side of caution and seek emergency medical care immediately.

Absolutely! At Acton and Canton Urgent Care, we are fully equipped to treat injuries such as sprains and minor fractures. Urgent care centers are designed to provide immediate medical attention for non-life-threatening conditions, and musculoskeletal injuries—including sprains and simple fractures—are among the most common reasons patients visit us.

If you experience a sprain (which involves the overstretching or tearing of ligaments) or suspect you have a minor fracture (such as a small crack or incomplete break in a bone), our experienced medical team can evaluate your injury on-site. We offer physical examinations and have on-site X-ray capabilities to quickly and accurately diagnose the extent of your injury.

After making a diagnosis, our providers can offer comprehensive treatment, including splinting, bandaging, providing pain relief, applying ice, and giving you guidance on rest and rehabilitation. If your injury requires more specialized orthopedic care or is more severe than a typical sprain or minor fracture, we can promptly refer you to the appropriate specialist or emergency department.

It’s important to know the differences between what urgent care centers like Acton and Canton Urgent Care offer versus hospital emergency rooms (ERs). While we provide convenient and cost-effective care for many everyday health issues, ERs are designed to handle severe and potentially life-threatening emergencies. Hospitals have access to advanced diagnostic technologies such as CT scans, MRIs, and comprehensive laboratory panels—resources necessary for complex or critical situations.

If your condition is serious, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe trauma, or symptoms of stroke, you should seek care at an emergency room, where advanced and immediate interventions are available. 

Understanding where to go for care can make a significant difference in your healthcare experience. If you’re uncertain, our team at Acton and Canton Urgent Care is always available to advise you or direct you to the appropriate level of care based on your symptoms.

When you or a loved one faces a sudden illness or injury, knowing whether to visit urgent care or the emergency room (ER) can make a significant difference in your health and your overall experience. At Acton and Canton Urgent Care, Muhammad Bajwa, MD—our medical director—offers guidance to help you make the right choice for your care.

Our urgent care centers are designed to treat non-life-threatening conditions that still require prompt, professional attention. Common reasons patients visit our clinics include:

• Mild to moderate asthma attacks
• Minor cuts or wounds needing stitches
• Sprains, strains, or minor fractures
• Mild burns or rashes
• Ear infections and sore throats
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Cold and flu symptoms

We understand that illnesses and injuries don’t follow a schedule. Our patients appreciate shorter wait times and lower costs compared to the ER.

When Should You Go to the Emergency Room?

Some symptoms and injuries require immediate, specialized care only available at a hospital emergency department, including:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Severe difficulty breathing
• Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding
• Severe abdominal pain
• Sudden weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking
• Severe head injuries or loss of consciousness
• Signs of stroke (such as facial drooping or slurred speech)

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, please call 911 or go directly to the nearest ER.

Bajwa MD, and the entire team at Acton and Canton Urgent Care are dedicated to providing expert, efficient, and affordable medical care for a wide range of non-emergency health issues. If you’re ever unsure about the severity of your symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek immediate medical advice. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 95 Washington St, Ste 204 A, Canton, MA 02021. We serve patients from Canton MA, Sharon MA, Stoughton MA, Norwood MA, Walpole MA, Westwood MA, Milton MA, Raynham MA, and surrounding areas.