Walk-In Clinic vs. ER: Choosing the Right Care
When you need medical attention, knowing where to go can make a big difference in how quickly you receive care and how efficiently your health needs are met. At Artesia General Hospital, we offer various services to ensure you get the right care at the right time. Let’s explore the differences between using a walk-in clinic and our Emergency Room (ER) services.
Memorial Family Practice located at 702 N. 13th St. in Artesia, NM provides quick Walk-In Clinic service for non emergency needs. We are open Monday – Friday from 7 am – 5 pm (575.746.3119) and offer services during the noon hour as well.
When to Choose a Walk-In Clinic
Walk-in clinics, like our Memorial Family Practice Walk-In Clinic, are an excellent option for immediate, non-life-threatening medical concerns. They are designed for convenience and can often provide quicker access to care for common ailments.
Consider a Walk-In Clinic for issues such as:
- Colds, flu, and viral infections
- Sore throats and ear infections
- Minor cuts, scrapes, and bruises
- Sprains and minor fractures
Allergies and rashes - Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Mild asthma attacks
- Fevers
- Routine vaccinations and physicals (check ahead for specific services)
Our Walk-In Clinic provides a streamlined way to address these concerns without an appointment, getting you back to feeling your best sooner.
When to Go to the Emergency Room (ER)
The Emergency Room at Artesia General Hospital is equipped to handle serious and life-threatening conditions. It operates 24/7 with a team of highly trained medical professionals and advanced equipment ready for critical situations.
You should always go to the ER for emergencies such as:
- Chest pain or symptoms of a heart attack (e.g., shortness of breath, pain radiating to the arm or jaw)
- Stroke symptoms (e.g., sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, facial drooping)
- Severe abdominal pain
- Serious injuries, deep cuts, or uncontrolled bleeding
- Difficulty breathing or severe asthma attacks
- Head injuries with loss of consciousness or confusion
- Major burns
- Sudden severe headache
- Loss of consciousness or fainting
- Poisoning or overdose
- Serious allergic reactions with swelling or difficulty breathing
In these situations, every moment counts, and the ER provides the immediate, critical care needed.
Making the Right Choice for Your Health
Choosing between a walk-in clinic and the ER depends on the severity of your symptoms. If you are experiencing a medical emergency that could be life-threatening or cause permanent harm, always go to the ER or call 911 immediately. For less severe conditions that require prompt attention but are not emergencies, our Walk-In Clinic is often the most appropriate and efficient choice.
At Artesia General Hospital, our priority is your health and well-being. By understanding the best use of our walk-in and ER services, you can help us provide you with the most effective care when you need it most. If you’re unsure, you can always contact your primary care physician for guidance.
At Artesia General Hospital, we are proud to partner with MDsave to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for our patients. Through MDsave, individuals can view transparent pricing and prepay for a wide range of medical procedures and services at discounted rates—all in one convenient online platform. This option is ideal for patients who are uninsured, have high-deductible health plans, or simply want to better manage their healthcare costs. By using MDsave, you can take control of your medical expenses and receive the high-quality care you trust from Artesia General Hospital.