Immediate Care v. Emergency Room: Know where to go

When is IMMEDIATE CARE the RIGHT CHOICE?

CareFirst immediate care clinics are designed to evaluate and treat minor, non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries in a timely fashion, without an appointment. Here are some of the conditions commonly treated at your nearby CareFirst clinic:

•   Colds, flu, fever & sore throat
•   Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting & food poisoning
•   Upper respiratory infections & sinus infections
•   Earaches & ear infections
•   Urinary & bladder infections
•   Sprains & strains
•   Laceration treatment
•   Minor burns & rashes
•   Bug bites & stings
•   Suture & staple removal

Save Time & Money 

The average urgent care visit will cost between $100 and $200, while ER visits can cost $1,000 or more.

Methodist CareFirst offers immediate care and much more, in four convenient locations – Crown Point, Merrillville, Schererville and Valparaiso.

The ER is for EMERGENCIES

Methodist Hospitals Emergency Departments are staffed 24/7 by highly qualified emergency medicine physicians and staff. Always go to the ER or call 911 in the case of medical emergencies that threaten life or limb, such as:

•   Chest pain or difficulty breathing
•   Weakness/numbness on one side
•   Slurred speech
•   Fainting or change in mental state
•   Serious burns
•   Head or eye injuries
•   Concussion or confusion
•   Broken bones and dislocated joints
•   Fever with a rash
•   Seizures
•   Severe cuts that may require stitches
•   Severe abdominal pain 
•   Facial lacerations
•   Severe cold or flu symptoms
•   Vaginal bleeding with pregnancy

Methodist Hospitals has Emergency Services available at the Northlake Campus in Gary, and at the Southlake Campus in Merrillville.