When to Visit the ER vs. Urgent Care Center
January 27, 2026
When you or someone you love suddenly gets sick or hurt, it’s not always easy to know where to go for care. Should you head straight to the Emergency Rooms (ER), or is an Urgent Care Center (UCC) the better choice? Understanding the difference can help you get the right care faster and avoid unnecessary stress.
When to Visit a Memorial Emergency Room
When minutes matter, it’s important to access the closest emergency department in your area. Memorial Healthcare System has seven ERs, including a Level 1 Trauma Center at Memorial Regional Hospital. Patients can access our ERs 24/7 for emergencies and serious injuries and illnesses, including those that require advanced diagnostics and imaging, as well as ambulance transport to one of our six hospitals if a higher level of care is needed.
When to visit ER:
- Chest pain or trouble breathing
- Severe bleeding
- Stroke symptoms
- Major injuries or broken bones
- Serious infections
- Seizures
- High fevers in infants
- Severe abdominal pain
Memorial’s ERs offer:
- Advanced imaging (X rays, CT scans)
- On‑site labs
- IV medications and fluids
- Ambulance transport to a higher level of care if needed
- Separate treatment areas for adults and children
When to Visit a Memorial Urgent Care Center
Memorial’s Urgent Care Center locations in Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, and Palm Springs North/Country Club Miami are ideal for minor injuries and illnesses that are not life-threatening but require prompt attention.
Visit Urgent Care for:
- Bladder/urinary infections
- Cough, sore throat, and flu symptoms
- Ear and eye infections
- Fever, rashes, and asthma attacks
- Rapid COVID results
- Superficial cuts, minor stitches, simple sprains, dislocations, and fractures
- Upper respiratory infections
- Upset stomach, nausea
Memorial Freestanding Emergency Department
Our Freestanding Emergency Department (FSED)—Memorial Pembroke 24/7 Care Center—is another convenient location that offers the same comprehensive services as a traditional emergency room, but often with reduced wait times, aiming to treat and discharge patients in about two hours or less. You can also schedule express care for minor emergencies. For the last seven years, this location has been recognized by Press Ganey’s Guardian of Excellence Award for providing excellent patient-centered care.
Why It Matters
Choosing the right place helps you get the right care faster and keeps emergency rooms available for true emergencies.
When in doubt, remember:
Adult Emergency Room Locations
Pediatric Emergency Room Locations
URGENT CARE LOCATIONS
