When Should You Visit Urgent Care vs ER?

Recognizing your symptoms is essential in deciding whether to visit our urgent care clinic or head directly to the emergency room (ER).

Urgent care center is fully equipped to manage a wide variety of non-life-threatening conditions that still require prompt attention. This includes issues such as:

• Mild to moderate infections (ear, sinus, or urinary tract infections)
• Cold and flu symptoms
• Strep throat
• Mild asthma attacks

We also offer infusion therapies for certain conditions that can be managed safely and conveniently in our clinic setting.

However, some symptoms require the advanced care and immediate intervention provided by a hospital emergency room. You should go directly to the ER—or call 911—if you experience:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Severe difficulty breathing
• Sudden numbness, weakness, or trouble speaking
• Confusion or loss of consciousness
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Severe abdominal pain
• High fever with a stiff neck
• Head injuries with loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Symptoms of a stroke or heart attack
 
For most minor illnesses and injuries, Memorial Health Urgent Care and Infusions is here to provide fast, compassionate, and comprehensive care. If your symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or involve vital functions like breathing or consciousness, please seek emergency care immediately. When in doubt, it’s always safest to visit the ER or call emergency services.

At Memorial Health Urgent Care and Infusions, we are equipped to provide a wide range of diagnostic testing designed for non-life-threatening conditions. Our urgent care facility offers rapid tests for common illnesses such as strep throat, flu, and COVID-19, as well as urinalysis, basic blood work, and on-site X-rays for minor injuries or uncomplicated fractures. For patients with cardiac concerns, we can perform electrocardiograms (EKGs).

While Memorial Health Urgent Care and Infusions is dedicated to delivering timely and efficient care for minor illnesses and injuries, it’s important to recognize that our diagnostic capabilities are designed for straightforward medical needs. For more complex or potentially life-threatening conditions—such as chest pain, severe injuries, or symptoms of stroke—emergency rooms (ERs) are equipped with advanced laboratory technology and imaging services.

We offers high-quality, accessible care for a variety of minor health concerns, with convenient diagnostic services to help you recover quickly. For serious or complex medical emergencies, we recommend visiting your nearest ER for comprehensive evaluation and treatment.

At Memorial Health Urgent Care and Infusions, our experienced medical team is well-equipped to treat mild to moderate allergic reactions. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms such as localized skin rashes, mild hives, minor swelling, or mild itching—without any difficulty breathing or other severe symptoms—our providers can help. We offer prompt treatments to effectively manage these types of reactions and help you feel better quickly.

When to Seek Emergency Care

While our urgent care center can address many allergic reactions, certain symptoms require immediate attention at the emergency room (ER). You should call 911 or go directly to the ER if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• A sensation of your throat closing
• Dizziness or fainting
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Vomiting or severe abdominal pain
• A past history of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)

These symptoms may indicate a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis, which requires emergency treatment with epinephrine and advanced medical care.


Your Destination for Urgent Care

At Memorial Health Urgent Care and Infusions, our commitment to personalized care ensures you receive the most appropriate treatment for your specific needs. Our urgent care center is your ideal destination for non-life-threatening conditions like colds, fevers, sprains, or minor cuts, offering a cost-effective and time-saving option. We are staffed and equipped to treat a wide variety of illnesses and injuries that require prompt attention but are not medical emergencies. It is important to note that our facility is not a substitute for an emergency room and do not have the resources to handle life-threatening conditions. We provide prompt, compassionate, and comprehensive care to get you on the path to recovery.

Your Partners in Care

Memorial Health Urgent Care and Infusions is here to support you with prompt, compassionate care for less severe allergic reactions. If you’re ever unsure how serious your symptoms are, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. For severe or rapidly progressing reactions, don’t hesitate—seek emergency care immediately. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 26077 Nelson Way, Unit 104, Katy, TX 77494. We serve patients from Katy TX, Brookshire TX, Park Row TX, Cinco Ranch TX, Fulshear TX, Pecan Grove TX, and surrounding areas.