At Grande Ronde Hospital’s (GRH)Urgent Care in Island City, we provide fast and effective treatment for non-emergent illnesses and injuries when you can’t wait for an appointment with your primary care provider but don’t need a trip to the emergency room. Our Urgent Care is designed to offer same-day, quality care for a range of common health issues—without the need for an appointment.
Emergency room or urgent care?
Emergency rooms (ERs) and urgent care centers serve very different purposes. When you need medical care right away, it helps to know which one is the better choice. This true-false quiz can help you learn the difference between them.
True or false: The main difference between an urgent care center and an ER is size.
False. The biggest difference between an urgent care center and an ER is the type of cases they can handle. When people have a condition that is life-threatening or could cause disability, they should go to the ER. If the problem is not that serious, urgent care may be a better choice.
True or false: Urgent care can be a good option if you have a health concern but can't get in to see your doctor quickly enough.
True. Urgent care centers can deal with minor illnesses like colds, the flu, earaches, sore throats and low-grade fevers. They can also handle non-life-threatening injuries, such as sprains, bruises, minor broken bones or minor eye injuries.
True or false: Both urgent care centers and ERs are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
False. ERs are open 24/7. Urgent care centers may be open 7 days a week, but with more limited hours that vary from location to location. Call ahead if you're unsure of an urgent care center's hours.
True or false: It's cheaper to be treated at an urgent care center than at an ER.
True. You're also likely to be seen and treated more quickly at an urgent care center. That's because urgent care centers see people on a 1st-come, 1st-served basis. ERs, on the other hand, treat patients based on the seriousness of their conditions.
True or false: If you or someone else has chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes, you should drive to an ER.
False. Call 911 instead. Chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack, and a heart attack is always an emergency. But don't drive to the ER—the condition could get worse on the way. Call 911 for immediate medical help.
Call 911 if:
- You're unsure that you're facing an emergency.
- The condition threatens life or limb.
- The person could get worse on the way to the hospital, or traffic is an issue.
- Moving the person could cause further injury.
Sources
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. "Emergency Severity Index (ESI): A Triage Tool for Emergency Departments." https://www.ahrq.gov/patient-safety/settings/emergency-dept/esi.html.
- American Academy of Urgent Care Medicine. "Frequently Asked Questions." https://aaucm.org/faq/.
- American Academy of Urgent Care Medicine. "Understanding the Scope of Urgent Care Practice." https://aaucm.org/what-is-urgent-care-medicine/.
- American College of Emergency Physicians. "Emergency Care, Urgent Care — What’s The Difference?" https://www.acep.org/siteassets/sites/acep/media/advocacy/value-of-em/urgent-emergent-care.pdf.
- American College of Emergency Physicians. "Emergency Care vs. Urgent Care." https://www.emergencyphysicians.org/article/er101/emergency-care-vs.-urgent-care-whats-the-difference.
- American College of Emergency Physicians. "ER 101." https://www.emergencyphysicians.org/article/er101/er-101.
- American Heart Association. "Warning Signs of a Heart Attack." https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/warning-signs-of-a-heart-attack.
- MedlinePlus. "Choosing a Primary Care Provider." https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001939.htm.
- MedlinePlus. "When to Use the Emergency Room - Adult." https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000593.htm.
- MedlinePlus. "When to Use the Emergency Room - Child." https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000594.htm.
When to Choose Urgent Care
Urgent Care is perfect for treating minor health concerns and injuries that require prompt attention but aren’t life-threatening. If you’re unsure whether to visit Urgent Care or the Emergency Department, consider our guidelines for common conditions treated:
Common illnesses:
- Allergies and hay fever
- Bladder infections
- Colds and flu
- Cough
- Ear infections
- Pinkeye and sties
- Sinus infections
- Sore throat and strep
Minor injuries:
- Abrasions
- Sprains and strains
- Minor fractures
- Small lacerations
Simple procedures:
- Splinter removal
- Ear wax removal
- Small laceration sutures
Skin conditions:
- Athlete’s foot
- Cold sores
- Hives and rashes
- Impetigo
- Insect and tick bites
- Itchy skin
- Ringworm
- Shingles
- Skin infections
- Sunburn
Other services:
- Lab and diagnostic testing
- Immunizations and vaccinations
- X-ray services
- Initial Workman’s Compensation evaluation
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the Emergency Room immediately.
Our Facility
Our Urgent Care center is equipped with six exam rooms, a dedicated triage room, a procedure room, and on-site laboratory and x-ray facilities to ensure comprehensive care. We are committed to providing a streamlined and efficient experience for all our patients.