When must i go to urgent care vs the emergency department?

For Emergencies Only: Usually emergent situations are self-evident. Ex's. Include some forms of chest pain, significant head trauma, open fractures, intractable seizures, respiratory distress, debilitating abdomen pain with fever and mental status changes. Most other conditions can be handled at a urgent care. Once you've been evaluated by an urgent care physician he will direct you to the er if he/she has concerns.