Urgent vs. Emergency Care

Choose the most appropriate type of medical care when you or a loved one needs fast access to treatment for an injury or illness in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Discover the differences between urgent and emergency services to make the best choice about your care.

Do I Need Urgent or Emergency Care?

Check the conditions we treat to help you decide where to go for the most effective care—urgent or emergency—for your condition.

Urgent Care

Rely on UNC Urgent Care at Carolina Pointe II or UNC Urgent Care at the Family Medicine Center in Chapel Hill to treat non-life-threatening conditions when your regular doctor isn’t available. Find care for minor illnesses and injuries that can’t wait for medical attention, such as:

  • Allergies
  • Coughs and colds
  • Diarrhea
  • Ear infections
  • Fever and flu symptoms
  • Respiratory problems
  • Skin rashes
  • Sore or strep throat
  • Strains and sprains
  • Sinus infections
  • Minor cuts
  • Urinary tract infections

Depend on our urgent care clinic for quick access to onsite lab and X-ray services.

Emergency Care

Receive expert emergency care 24/7/365 at UNC Hospitals and UNC Hospitals Hillsborough Campus. Go to the emergency department if you are experiencing a critical illness, an injury or life-threatening symptoms such as:

  • Chest pain or heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Broken bones or deep wounds
  • Constant vomiting
  • Severe and prolonged shortness of breath
  • Allergic reactions to food or insect bites
  • Head injuries and/or unconsciousness
  • Heavy, uncontrolled bleeding

This is not a complete list of emergency symptoms and conditions. You should go to the closest emergency room if you’re unsure of the type of care you need.

Skilled Professional Staff

You’ll find trained and experienced doctors and medical staff to provide the treatment you need at our urgent care clinics and emergency departments. Expect our professionals to address your symptoms as quickly as possible to help you feel better.