Emergency Room Vs. Orthopedic Urgent Care

Injuries are not scheduled and tend to occur when you least expect them. When you or your loved one suffers an injury, you want the best care available as soon as possible. In some cases, that means a trip to the emergency room. Other times, however, you can avoid a long wait and get an assessment and care from a specialist if you visit a musculoskeletal urgent care clinic.

When you need immediate attention for most acute bone, joint, and muscle injuries, like a fracture or a shoulder injury, our urgent care service will offer you the care you need—fast.

In the case of life-threatening injuries and other emergencies, such as open fractures, cuts with bleeding that won’t stop, burns, or head injuries, you will need to visit an emergency room immediately or call 911.

For a better idea of which service is necessary, refer to the listing below.

Injury/Condition Orthopedic Urgent Care ER
New bone/joint/muscle injury Yes No
Joint sprain or muscle strain Yes No
Possible fracture Yes No
Swollen joint Yes No
Sports injury Yes No
Possible dislocation Yes No
Chronic back or joint pain Schedule an appointment No
Work injury Consult your supervisor  
Animal bite No Yes
Burn No Yes
Cuts and other wounds No Yes
Fracture with bone protrusion No Yes

For more information on Orthopedic Urgent Care services at Sierra Pacific Orthopedics, call (559) 256-5200. If you are currently seeking initial or follow-up care for a sports-related injury, schedule an appointment online with one of our sports medicine specialists.