Urgent Care Clinics
What is Urgent Care?
Did you know that many illnesses do not need to be treated in the emergency room? Urgent care clinics are perfect for minor illnesses and injuries, or when you can’t get in to see your primary care provider. Community First covers a wide range of in-network urgent care locations for your convenience. Explore locations using our interactive map.
Pediatric Urgent Care Clinics
Community First’s in-network pediatric urgent care clinics are built with kids in mind, featuring child-sized medical equipment and compassionate care techniques that help children feel more comfortable.
Urgent Care VS. Emergency Room
Use this simple guide to find out when an Urgent Care clinic may be the best choice and when a visit to the Emergency Room may be needed.
Urgent Care Clinic
When your doctor’s office is closed, and you have an urgent medical issue, visiting an urgent care clinic is best. Urgent Care Clinics have shorter wait times, welcome walk-ins, and have after-hours availability. Visit a clinic for fast, convenient care for minor illnesses and injuries, such as:
- Mile fever (under 102°F and acting mostly normal)
- Cold, cough, or flu symptoms without trouble breathing
- Ear pain without high fever or vomiting
- Small cuts or minor burns
- Sprains or muscle strains
- Mild vomiting or diarrhea with no dehydration
- Rash without swelling or trouble breathing
- Pink eye or a minor allergic reaction
- Minor falls/injuries (no head injury or broken bones)
Emergency Room
Dial 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room if your life is in immediate danger. Emergency rooms are for medical emergencies only that cannot be treated at an urgent care clinic, such as:
- High Fever (over 104°F and/or fever with rash, stiff neck, or confusion)
- Trouble Breathing (fast/shallow/noisy breathing, or blue lips or face)
- Seizures or unresponsiveness
- Severe allergic reactions (face/lip swelling, trouble breathing)
- Head injury with vomiting, confusion, or loss of consciousness
- Broken bones, deep cuts, or other serious injuries
- Dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, no urine in 8+ hours)
- Swallowed object or poison
Urgent Care Clinic
Visit a clinic for fast, convenient care for minor illnesses and injuries, such as:
- Mile fever (under 102°F and acting mostly normal)
- Cold, cough, or flu symptoms without trouble breathing
- Ear pain without high fever or vomiting
- Small cuts or minor burns
- Sprains or muscle strains
- Mild vomiting or diarrhea with no dehydration
- Rash without swelling or trouble breathing
- Pink eye or a minor allergic reaction
- Minor falls/injuries (no head injury or broken bones)
Emergency Room
Dial 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room if your life is in immediate danger. Emergency rooms are for medical emergencies only that cannot be treated at an urgent care clinic, such as:
- High Fever (over 104°F and/or fever with rash, stiff neck, or confusion)
- Trouble Breathing (fast/shallow/noisy breathing, or blue lips or face)
- Seizures or unresponsiveness
- Severe allergic reactions (face/lip swelling, trouble breathing)
- Head injury with vomiting, confusion, or loss of consciousness
- Broken bones, deep cuts, or other serious injuries
- Dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, no urine in 8+ hours)
- Swallowed object or poison
Remember, always follow up with your child’s Primary Care Provider after any visit to Urgent Care or the ER.
Need help scheduling an appointment for follow-up care? Call Community First Member Services at 1-800-434-2347.
More Resources
Urgent Care Clinics Map
24/7 Nurse Advice Line
Our Nurse Advice Line is staffed with registered nurses who are trained to help you decide if you need to see a doctor, what to do if your symptoms get worse, and what you can start doing at home to feel better. Free translation services available.
If you need help deciding where to go to get nonemergency care, call the 24/7 Community First Nurse Advice Line to speak with a registered nurse.
