Emergent Care versus Urgent Care

Emergent care is the treatment necessary to safeguard life, limb or eyesight. Examples of an emergency would be a broken arm or leg, excessive bleeding or a severe head injury.

Urgent care is sought when treatment is not immediately necessary but should be sought within 24 hours. Examples of some urgent care situations would be a urinary infection, a severe sprain or a fever in an infant.

Reference: http://esc.hanscom.af.mil/hansconian/Articles/2002Arts/02082002-10.htm

Miscellaneous

Emergent/urgent services obtained at an emergency room or urgent care center do not require approval by your primary care physician (PCP) or precertification by Preferred Care, but you are encouraged to notify your PCP after treatment to arrange for follow-up care.