What is the difference between an emergency department and an urgent care center?
An emergency department is designed, staffed, and equipped to treat life-threatening conditions. An urgent care center is a more appropriate place to seek treatment for sudden acute illness and minor injuries when your doctor’s office is closed or not available. Copayments and coinsurance amounts for emergency department visits are generally higher than copayments for urgent care visits. If you are transferred to an emergency department from an urgent care center, you will be charged an emergency department copayment/coinsurance.
