There are times when illnesses or injuries are medical emergencies, and require advanced care immediately. There are other times when care can wait until the next available appointment.
But what about the times in between?
You may find yourself in a situation where you need to get care as soon as possible, such as having a high fever or ear pain, but you know that you’re not experiencing something so severe that it warrants a trip to the emergency department.
And that’s where Express Care comes in.
Cotton O’Neil Express Care Clinics
Cotton O’Neil Express Care clinics are urgent care walk-in clinics for patients of all ages. They provide care for minor illnesses or injuries that can’t be immediately treated by one’s own physician or are not severe enough to require a visit to the emergency room.
Services include physical exams, X-rays, and lab tests.
Our clinics offer patient-friendly hours and convenient care — and they never require an appointment.
Emergency Department vs. Express Care (also called Urgent Care)
Some patients are unsure about the difference between emergency care and express care, also called urgent care. Both provide medical care when you can’t wait for an appointment. But they are very different. In general, if you believe you’re having a life-threatening medical emergency—such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or a severe injury—go to the emergency room.
On the other hand, if you have an injury or condition that isn’t serious enough to be life threatening but still needs urgent medical care—such as a burn, fracture or sprain, or severe flu symptoms—head to a Cotton O’Neil Express Care clinic.
If you don’t know, go to the emergency department.
When to Use the Emergency Department
Call 911 when for need immediate help, especially in the following situations:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Choking or inability to breathe
- Loss of consciousness
- An injury to the neck or spine
- Severe burns over a large portion of the body
- Seizure
- Heart attack symptoms, such as chest pain or pressure, or pain in the jaw or arm
- Stroke symptoms, such as a sudden inability to move, speak, see, or understand, and a sudden weakness or “drooping” on one side of the body
- Inhalation of poisonous fumes or smoke
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- A broken bone that’s pushing through the skin
- A severe allergic reaction, such as breathing difficulty, swelling, hives
- Drug overdose
- Having suicidal thoughts
When Should I Go to Express Care?
Our Cotton O’Neil Express Care clinics can handle medical problems that need fast treatment, but are not life-threatening emergencies, including:
- High fever
- Persistent diarrhea or vomiting
- Ear pain
- Painful urination
- Fractures, strains, and sprains
- A deep cut that needs stitches
- Infections
- Skin rashes
- Back pain
- A mild burn
Hours of Operation
All Express Care locations
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Weekends, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Holiday Hours: Open most holidays, with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas, including New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July Fourth, Labor Day and Christmas Eve. Clinic holiday hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
