Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room

When you’re not feeling well or someone gets hurt, the biggest question is often, “Should I go to urgent care or the emergency room?” We’re here to help you make the right choice.

Tanner Urgent Care treats minor illnesses and injuries, while our emergency departments at Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton, Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica, Higgins General Hospital in Bremen and Tanner Medical Center/East Alabama in Wedowee are equipped for life-threatening emergencies.

Here’s how to know where to go

Go to the emergency room for serious or symptoms

The emergency room is equipped to treat conditions that could permanently harm you or become life-threatening without immediate care.

Go to the emergency room or call 911 for:

Chest pain or pressure
Difficulty breathing
Severe abdominal pain
Stroke symptoms (face drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech)
Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding
Head injuries with confusion or loss of consciousness
Seizures
Severe burns
Serious broken bones
Sudden vision loss
Suicidal thoughts or mental health crisis

If something feels severe, sudden or life-threatening, don’t wait. Go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

parent taking their daughters temperature

Go to urgent care for minor illnesses and injuries

Urgent care is the right choice when your condition is not life-threatening but needs attention the same day.

Choose urgent care for:

Bronchitis
Earaches
Fever without seizure
Influenza
Lacerations that may need stitches
Minor allergic reactions
Minor burns
Minor fractures
Rashes
Sinus infections
Sore throats
Sprains and strains
Upset stomachs

Convenient urgent care across west Georgia

Locations include:

Patients may walk in any time during business hours, schedule ahead or book a virtual visit.

Emergency care when you need it most

Emergency departments are located at:

Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton
Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica
Higgins General Hospital in Bremen
Tanner Medical Center/East Alabama in Wedowee

Our emergency teams are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to meet your needs.

What if you’re still not sure?

It’s not always clear whether you need urgent care or emergency care. As a general rule:

If it’s uncomfortable but stable, urgent care is often appropriate.
If it’s severe, worsening quickly or affecting breathing, heart function or consciousness, go to the emergency room.

When your health can’t wait, we’re here — with the right level of care at the right time.