When immediate illness or injury appears suddenly outside of your primary care doctor’s usual hours, you have two options, depending on your symptoms and their severity. Whether you stumble while carrying a load of laundry up the stairs, cannot put weight on your swollen knee, or suddenly find yourself with chest pain and shortness of breath, when these situations occur, it is important to know where to go for care. There are differences between the hospital emergency room and minor care, including the level of care that can be provided at each.

Tri-State Emergency offers medical care at any time, day or night. They are equipped to handle the most complex or critical needs, including life-threatening situations ranging from heart attack and stroke to traumatic head injuries. In contrast, Tri-State Minor Care helps fill an important place when you become sick or injured, but your primary care doctor is not available and you can’t wait for an appointment. Tri-State Minor Care handles a variety of medical problems that need to be treated right away with prompt care, but that are not considered life-threatening emergencies.

When to visit Tri-State Minor Care

• When you cannot get in to see your primary care provider
• Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting
• Colds, flu, fever, sore throat, cough, and congestion
• Allergies and rashes
• Migraines and earaches
• Minor broken bones
• Minor cuts and burns
• Sprains and strains
• Infections
• UTI’s

When to go to Tri-State Emergency

• Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath
• Numbness in the face, arms, or legs
• Heavy, uncontrollable bleeding
• Moderate to severe cuts and burns
• Severe broken bones
• High fevers
• Poisoning

At Tri-State, we are committed to our mission in placing Your Health as Our First Priority! No matter what level of care you require, we are here to help. If you are experiencing an emergency or do not know how severe your symptoms are, please call 9-1-1.

For more information, visit www.tristatehospital.org/wecare/.