Urgent Care vs Emergency Room

Knowing when to go to an Urgent Care Center instead of the Emergency Room (ER) can save you time and money. When appropriate, going to an urgent care facility instead of an emergency room can save you on average $2,000! If you need medical attention but it’s not too serious or life threatening, you may not have to go to an ER. An urgent care center provides quality care like an ER, but also offers short wait times, extended hours and you will be seen by an experienced doctor or nurse!

$176 Average Urgent Care Cost

$2,259 Average Emergency Room Cost 

Need help deciding where to go? Call your doctor or for more information you can call the toll-free number on your Cigna or Kaiser ID card. If it is a medical emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 911. Visit myCigna.com or kp.org to find an urgent care center near you.

Where should I go?

If you’re unsure of where you should go for your current symptoms, check out the list below to help direct you to the right provider. Most issues can be treated at your local Urgent Care, while life- threatening issues should be directed to the emergency room or call 911. However, Urgent care is not intended to be a substitute for a primary care provider (PCP). You should always consult your PCP for care and treatment recommendations. If you do not have a primary care physician, please access myCigna.com or KP.org to find a primary care physician near you.

Urgent Care

Get care for things like:

  •   Earaches and infections
  •   Minor cuts, sprains and burns
  •   Fever and flu symptoms
  •   Cough, cold and sore throat
  •   Animal bites
  •   Mild asthma
  •   Urinary tract infections
  •   Headaches
  •   Back and joint pain
  •   *Urgent care is not intended to be a substitute for a primary care provider (PCP). You should always consult your PCP for care and treatment recommendations. If you do not have a primary care physician, please access myCigna.com to find a primary care physician near you.

Emergency Room

Get care for things like:

  •   Sudden numbness or weakness
  •   Disorientation or difficulty speaking
  •   Sudden dizziness or loss of coordination
  •   Seizure or loss of consciousness
  •   Shortness of breath or severe asthma attack
  •   Head injury/major trauma
  •   Blurry or loss of vision
  •   Severe cuts or burns
  •   Heart attack, chest pain or chest pressure
  •   Overdose
  •   Uncontrolled bleeding
  •   Coughing or vomiting blood
  •   Severe allergic reactions