In an Emergency, Where is the Right Place for Treatment – an Urgent Care Center or Emergency Department

When you or someone you love is injured, where should you go for treatment –  an Urgent Care Center or an Emergency Department? Even minor emergencies deserve major attention but where is the best place to go?

“First, try to quickly determine if the injury or illness is major or minor, this is the best way to decide which type of medical facility to seek care.  If you suspect someone is suffering from a stroke or a heart attack go to the Emergency Department.  Someone suffering from cough and sore throat would be better visiting an Urgent Care Center,” commented Dr. Edward Puccio, Medical Director, Department of Emergency Medicine, Inova Loudoun Hospital.          

When to Go to an Urgent Care Center:

• Treatment for minor illness or injury
• Minor allergic reactions
• Cough, sore throat
• Treatment for work-related injuries
• Flu shots
• Rashes/poison ivy
• Urinary tract infections
• Minor lacerations
• Dental problems
• Back sprains
• Physical exams for camp, sports, school or pre-employment

When to Go to an Emergency Department:

• Suspected heart attack or stroke
• Chest Pain
• Severe/sudden headache/altered mental status/head injuries
• Significant lacerations
• Bleeding
• Pregnancy related problems without an established obstetrician
• High fever
• Severe pain
• Eye injuries/acute vision problems
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe bleeding or serious cuts
• Broken bones
• Poisoning
• Sudden, severe abdominal pain
• Specialized pediatric care
• When urgent care centers and doctor’s offices are closed

Inova has two Urgent Care Centers in Loudoun County and three emergency departments:

Inova Urgent Care Center – Purcellville
205 East Hirst Road, Suite 101, Purcellville
540-338-4995
Open weekdays: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; weekends and holidays (closed Dec. 25): 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
 
Inova Urgent Care Center - Dulles South
24801 Pinebrook Road, Suite 110, Chantilly
703-722-2500
Open weekdays: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.; weekends and holidays (closed Dec. 25): 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Appointments and directions for both Urgent Care Centers are available at inova.org/urgentcare.

Inova Emergency Departments in Loudoun

Inova Loudoun Hospital Adult Emergency Department
Inova Loudoun Hospital Pediatric Emergency Department
44045 Riverside Parkway, Leesburg
 
Inova Emergency Department - Leesburg
224 Cornwall Street, Leesburg

For more information visit inova.org/emergency.