Orthopedic Urgent Care vs. the ER

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

Make 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 our 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, request an appointment online with one of our sports medicine specialists.