Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room

It is essential to understand the difference between a walk-in urgent care center and the Emergency Room. Effectively using the correct medical treatment center can save you significant amounts of time and money, and most importantly help keep your life.
Urgent care is for conditions that require prompt attention but do not pose an immediate, serious threat to your health or life. In general, if your medical issue is life-threatening call 911 or goes directly to a hospital emergency room. If not, AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch is an excellent alternative.

Some examples of conditions that can be treated at your local urgent care center include the following:

• Abdominal Pain
• Accidents and falls
• Asthma – mild to moderate
• Back problems
• Bleeding caused by everyday accidents
• Ear Pain
• Eye Irritation
• Fever
• A migraine headache
• Small bone fractures
• Skin Rashes
• Sprains
• STD Tests or Treatment
• Sprains and broken bones
• A sore Throat
• Urinary burning
• Vomiting, Diarrhea, and Dehydration

Some examples of conditions that require a Hospital Emergency Room include the following:

• Amputations
• Breathing Obstruction
• Convulsions or seizures
• Difficulty in breathing
• Drug overdose
• Knife or gunshot wound
• Loss of limb or severe broken bone
• Poisoning
• Pregnancy – severe abdominal pain
• Seizures/Convulsions
• Serious head, neck or back injury
• Suspected Heart Attack or Stroke
• Unconsciousness

Always use your best judgment in making a medical decision. If you have any doubts, call your family doctor, 911 or AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch. We are open weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm, and weekends from 8 am to 5 pm. For more information about the services we provide, please call to speak with one of our medical professionals at West Long Branch (732) 222-8000

Choosing the correct medical treatment center can save you significant amounts of time and money, and most importantly ensure your safety. AFC West Long Branch is a trusted resource for health conditions that require prompt attention but do not pose an immediate, serious threat to your health or life. In general, if your medical issue is life-threatening, call 911 or go directly to a hospital emergency room. If not, walk-in or schedule a visit online to be seen by one of our skilled healthcare providers so you can save time, money, and get back to doing what you love.