Comparing same day care options: Pediatric urgent care, emergency room and express care

It always seems to happen at the worst time—your child gets sick or hurt when your doctor’s office is closed. So, what do you do? Should you go to a pediatric urgent care, emergency room…or Express Care? 

Knowing where to go can help make sure your child gets the right care as soon as possible. It can also save you time and money. 

What’s the difference? 

• Express Care is for quick, same-day care when your child needs to be seen soon, but it’s not an emergency and may not require a full urgent care visit. Think: fast care for common, mild illnesses or injuries. 
• Urgent care is for things that need attention today but aren’t lifethreatening. These clinics often offer same-day care, shorter wait times and lower costs than the emergency room. 
• Emergency rooms (ERs) are for serious or life-threatening problems. If your child is in danger, call 911 or go to the ER right away. 

When to go to the emergency room 

Take your child to the ER if they have: 

• Trouble breathing 
• A broken bone that looks bent or twisted 
• A deep cut that won’t stop bleeding 
• A seizure 
• A head injury with loss of consciousness 
• A fever in a baby under 2 months 
• Poisoning 
• Severe stomach pain 
• A serious burn 

When to go to urgent care 

Urgent care is a good choice for: 

• Minor asthma attacks 
• Ear infections 
• Pink eye 
• Sore throat 
• Mild stomach pain 
• Vomiting or diarrhea 
• Rashes 
• Sprains or strains 
• Minor cuts that may need repair 
• Fevers in kids over 2 months 

When to go to Express Care 

Express Care is great for those “they’re not feeling great, but I’m not sure they need urgent care” moments. It’s fast, convenient and perfect for mild symptoms. 

Choose Express Care for: 

• Pink eye 
• Mild rashes 
• Sore throat or possible strep 
• Ear pain 
• Coughs and cold symptoms 
• Fevers in older kids who are otherwise acting OK 
• Vomiting or diarrhea when your child is staying hydrated 
• Minor injuries like small cuts, bumps or bruises 
• School or daycare note needs 

Skip Express Care (and go to urgent care or the ER) if your child has: 

• Trouble breathing 
• Signs of dehydration (no tears, dry mouth, fewer wet diapers) 
• A deep or large cut 
• A possible broken bone 
• A rash with fever 
• Severe pain 
• Symptoms that are getting worse quickly 

Why choose pediatric same-day care? 

Whether you go to Express Care, urgent care or the ER, it’s best to choose a place that specializes in kids. Pediatric clinics have specially trained doctors and nurses who understand children’s unique needs. They also have kid-sized equipment and know how to help children feel safe and calm. 

Children’s Mercy has 2 emergency rooms, 3 urgent care locations and Express Care options all made just for kids.  

This blog walks you through what to expect during a pediatric emergency room visit. 

If you need same-day care, visit childrensmercy.org/savemyspot to choose your time and location.