Understanding the difference between urgent care and the emergency room will help you get the care you need, when you need it.
Get the care you need.
When you’re sick or hurt, you may not know the best place to go for medical care. Understanding the difference between urgent care and the emergency room will help you get the care you need, when you need it.
If you are experiencing chest pain, signs of stroke, severe abdominal pain or other serious symptoms, call 911 or visit the emergency room immediately.
Should I Go to Urgent Care or the Emergency Department?
If you are experiencing a medical issue that’s not life-threatening but can’t wait for an appointment with your primary care provider, UVM Health offers urgent care and ExpressCare to meet your health needs. If you have a life-threatening or severe illness or injury, you should visit your nearest emergency department (ED).
Listed below are common conditions treated at these facilities:
Emergency Department
EDs are open 24/7 and available at all UVM Health hospitals.
- Difficulty breathing
- Heavy bleeding
- Injuries resulting from physical or sexual assault
- Mental health crises
- Severe allergic reactions
- Traumatic injuries
- Broken bones
- Seizures
- Severe burns
- Stroke
- Poisonings and overdoses
- Chest pain
Urgent Care or ExpressCare
Our walk-in centers are open during normal business hours and offer extended evening and weekend hours. Appointments are not required.
- Abdominal pain
- Accidents and falls
- Coughs, colds and sore throats
- Minor burns, cuts, bites and lacerations
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sprains and minor broken bones
- Dehydration
- Earaches
- Fever
- Flu
- Pelvic pain
- Pink eye
- Rashes
- Strep
- Urinary tract infections
