Express Care vs Emergency Care

When should I go to Express Care, instead of Emergency Care?

Dr. Mark Says:

Express Care is the place to go for conditions that require prompt attention but are not life-threatening—such as broken bones, simple cuts, muscle sprains, sore throat, earache and coughs. Allegiance Express Care, located just blocks from the hospital, is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Seek Emergency Care for life-threatening conditions, including chest pain and other heart attack symptoms; sudden paralysis, loss of speech and other symptoms of stroke; bleeding that you can’t control; intense pain; difficulty breathing and severe allergic reactions. Patients are seen in order of medical urgency, usually within 30 minutes.

Ask Dr. Mark Questions & Answers

  • Waiting in an Empty Waiting Room - Why would I have to wait to see an Emergency Room doctor, even if there are no other patients in the waiting room?
  • Uninsured Surgery - I have no medical insurance and very little income for a surgery. Does the hospital have any special programs to cover this?
  • Flu Shot - The vaccine is especially important for pregnant women, children ages 2 – 5, people 50 or older, people with certain chronic medical conditions, and those in regular contact with someone at high risk for complications from flu.
  • Lack of Circulation - I sit on a hard surface, which cuts off my circulation, and now I think a nerve is trapped. My neck hurts, throat narrows, cheeks tingle, top of head tingles, sinuses hurt, headache and dry throat. When I lay down, my heart races and I can't get oxygen. What is causing this circulatory mess?
  • Choosing Emergency Care - When choosing a hospital for emergency care, there are several important considerations.
  • Sprains vs Broken Bones - How do I tell the difference between a sprain and a broken bone, and when do I need to seek emergency care?
  • Driving a Heart Attack Victim to the ER - Is it okay to drive someone to the Emergency Room if he or she is having heart attack symptoms?
  • Signs of a Stroke - How can I tell if someone is having a stroke, and what should I do?
  • Heart Attack vs Indigestion - How can I tell the difference between heart attack symptoms and indigestion? When should I go to Emergency?
  • Head Lice - Q - With the school season starting again, how can I protect my child from head lice?
  • Treating Insect Bites and Stings - Q: When does an insect bite or sting require medical treatment?
  • Falling Injury Prevention - Q: As I get older, how can I prevent injury from falling?
  • Express Care vs Emergency Care - Q: When should I go to Express Care, instead of Emergency Care?