When an injury happens, it’s not always clear where to go for the right care. Do you head to the emergency room, or is orthopedic urgent care the better option? While the ER is necessary for life-threatening situations, orthopedic urgent care (Ortho UC) is often the best choice for non-life-threatening musculoskeletal injuries, such as sprains, fractures and sports-related trauma.
If you or a loved one experiences an orthopedic injury, knowing when to seek Ortho UC instead of the ER can save time, reduce costs and ensure you receive specialized care quickly.
What is Orthopedic Urgent Care?
Orthopedic urgent care provides fast, specialized treatment for bone, joint, and muscle injuries that do not require emergency room intervention. Instead of waiting for hours in an ER and seeing a general physician, patients at Ortho Urgent Care receive immediate attention from orthopedic specialists trained in musculoskeletal injuries.
For injuries that require follow-up, Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance (KCOA) connects patients with board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic physicians. Many KCOA specialists can see new patients in less than a week, ensuring timely access to expert orthopedic care.
If a referral is necessary following an urgent care visit, KCOA physicians are typically available within two days or less to continue care.
Ortho UC vs. Emergency Room: Where Should You Go?
Deciding whether to go to Ortho UC or the ER depends on the severity and type of injury. Below is a breakdown to help guide your decision.
When to Choose Orthopedic Urgent Care:
- Sports Injuries: Sprains, strains, dislocations and fractures that don’t break the skin can be effectively treated at Ortho Urgent Care.
- Bone Fractures: If the bone is not protruding through the skin, urgent care specialists can provide rapid diagnosis and treatment, including casting and splinting.
- Sprains and Strains: Mild to moderate ligament and muscle injuries are best managed by orthopedic specialists.
- Nerve Compression Injuries: Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica and pinched nerves that cause pain, numbness or weakness can be evaluated and treated.
- Joint Injuries: Shoulder dislocations, knee injuries and other non-emergency joint issues can often be assessed and treated without an ER visit.
When to Visit the ER Instead:
- Severe Head Injuries: If the injury involves loss of consciousness, confusion or vomiting, immediate ER care is necessary.
- Open Fractures: If the bone has punctured the skin, it requires emergency medical attention.
- Severe Bleeding or Deep Lacerations: If bleeding cannot be controlled or a deep wound is present, the ER is the safest option.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: If there is any suspicion of a spinal injury, especially with symptoms of paralysis or extreme pain, seek emergency care immediately.
- Chest Pain or Difficulty Breathing: These symptoms may indicate a more serious medical issue that requires ER intervention.
The Advantages of Seeking Ortho Urgent Care
When it comes to musculoskeletal injuries, choosing Ortho Urgent Care over the ER has significant benefits:
- Specialized Care: Instead of seeing a general physician, you’ll receive immediate attention from orthopedic experts who specialize in treating bone, muscle and joint injuries.
- Shorter Wait Times: ER wait times can be unpredictable, while Ortho Urgent Care offers faster service tailored to orthopedic conditions.
- Cost Savings: ER visits often result in higher medical bills, whereas Ortho UC provides a more affordable alternative for non-life-threatening injuries.
- Quick Access to Specialists: If follow-up care is needed, KCOA physicians are typically available within two days or less to continue care seamlessly.
Need Follow-Up Orthopedic Care? KCOA Provides Expert Specialists
Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance (KCOA) is the largest independent orthopedic practice in the Kansas City metro, offering board-certified, fellowship-trained specialists in orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, and musculoskeletal care.
If your injury requires further evaluation after an orthopedic urgent care visit, KCOA specialists can often see new patients in less than a week. If additional treatment is needed, KCOA ensures you are connected with the right provider quickly.
With a network of over 40 orthopedic physicians and 60+ providers, KCOA makes expert care more accessible and convenient for patients in the Kansas City area.
Get the Right Care Without the ER Wait
When an orthopedic injury happens, there is no need to waste time in the ER if it is not necessary. Seeking Ortho Urgent Care for sprains, fractures, and musculoskeletal injuries ensures faster, specialized treatment.
For follow-up orthopedic care, KCOA specialists are available to provide expert evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.
Want to learn more about what Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance is all about? Check out our about page for more information about us and our services. We look forward to hearing from you!
