With so many options for healthcare, it can be difficult to know where to go when illness or injury strike.
Precious time can be wasted as you debate heading to an Immediate Care Center, an Orthopaedic Immediate Care or an Emergency Department.
Knowing more about the care each location provides can help you make an informed decision. Below is a breakdown of when and where you should go, depending on the situation.
Immediate Care Centers
Licensed experts staff our Immediate Care centers. They are trained to evaluate and treat a variety of medical conditions in adults and children. Lab orders, tests and imaging are done if needed. Head to an Immediate Care Center if you need treatment for the following:
- Common illnesses such as allergies, nausea, sore throat, sinus conditions or headaches
- Minor injuries such as broken bones or fractures, sprains and strains, cuts or burns
- Vaccinations such as tetanus or influenza
Orthopaedic Immediate Care
Orthopaedic Immediate Care sites are staffed with board-certified orthopaedic physicians and have on-site laboratory and radiology services to ensure you receive the care you need. Seek medical care at one of our Orthopaedic Immediate Care Sites if you are experiencing the following orthopaedic conditions:
- Sprains and strains
- Fractures
- Injury involving bones, muscles, joints or injuries
- Injuries to the neck, back, shoulder, elbow, hand, hip, knee, ankle or foot
- Sports-related injuries including head injuries and concussions
Emergency Care
Emergency Care is available around the clock for severe conditions that may require additional expertise from surgeons or other medical professionals. Endeavor Health emergency departments are staffed with licensed physicians and surgeons with a variety of expertise and support staff. Seek care here if you are experiencing a medical emergency, including:
- Severe chest pain
- Severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Suspected poisoning
- Severe abdominal pain
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Confusion or change in mental status
- Sudden fainting, dizziness, numbness or weakness
- Coughing or vomiting up blood
- A broken bone, puncturing the skin
- Injury to head or neck
- Extreme high fever
No one is ever turned away from the emergency department and every circumstance is unique, but it’s in your best interest to evaluate how serious your condition is and go where you would get the best care.
Endeavor Health has 33 Immediate Care Centers, seven Orthopaedic Immediate Care sites and nine Emergency Care sites throughout Chicagoland.
If you require emergency medical attention, please call 911 to access your local emergency services.
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