Express Care vs. the Emergency Room

What’s the Difference?

Express Care: Express care is designed to handle non-life-threatening medical issues that require prompt attention. 

Express Care is available at:

• Council Oak Comprehensive Healthcare (Tulsa)
• Okmulgee
• Wetumka

Emergency Room (ER): The ER is equipped to handle severe and life-threatening conditions. It operates 24/7 and is staffed by emergency medicine specialists. ERs have the necessary equipment and personnel to provide immediate and intensive care for critical health issues.

Emergency Care is available at:

• Okmulgee Medical Center
• Creek Nation Community Hospital (Okemah) 

 

When Should You NOT Go to the Emergency Room?

While you can technically go to the emergency room for any medical concern, it may not always be the best choice. Avoid going to the ER for conditions that are not life-threatening and can be treated at an MCN Health facility that offers express care.

Emergency rooms prioritize patients based on the severity of their medical concern. Patients with life-threatening injuries go first, while express care clinics operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

When to Go to the ER

Life-Threatening Conditions: Going to the emergency room is important when you are experiencing a medical emergency that is life threatening. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Severe chest pain or pressure
• Severe burns
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Neck or spinal cord injury
• Sudden, severe headache or confusion
• Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Heavy bleeding 
• Severe abdominal pain
• Loss of consciousness

When to Go to Express Care

Non-Emergency, Urgent Conditions: Visit express care for issues that need prompt attention but are not life-threatening, such as:

• Minor cuts and burns
• Insect bites or skin rashes
• Neck and back discomfort
• UTIs and yeast infections
• Cold and flu symptoms
• Pink eye
• Ear or sinus infections
• Minor sprains and strains

Making the Right Choice

Understanding the appropriate setting for your medical needs ensures you receive timely and appropriate care while helping reduce overcrowding in emergency rooms. When in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek immediate medical attention if you believe a situation could be life-threatening. For non-critical conditions, express care is a convenient and efficient alternative.

By choosing the right place for your medical care within MCN Health, you can help ensure that emergency resources are available for those who need them most and receive the best possible care for your specific health issue.