Sometimes it’s hard to know where to turn when someone in your family is sick or hurt. Whether it’s a fever, a broken bone, or something more serious, knowing your options can help you act quickly and confidently. Here’s your mom-friendly guide for deciding between a freestanding emergency room, a hospital ER or an urgent care clinic.
ER vs. Urgent Care: A No-Panic Guide for Moms
Tip 1: Know what a freestanding emergency room is
- What is it? A freestanding emergency room is an ER located away from a hospital but connected to one. You can spot one by its name—look for mentions of a hospital or health system.
- Who do they treat? They treat kids and adults and are staffed by board-certified emergency room physicians and nurses who are experienced in treating emergencies.
- Why choose it? It’s open 24/7, staffed by board-certified doctors and nurses, and equipped to handle serious emergencies like a hospital ER. Wesley Healthcare has four free-standing ERs across the Wichita area – Welsey Andover ER, Wesley Derby ER, Wesley West ER and Wesley Woodlawn ER.
Tip 2: Visit a freestanding ER or ER for serious emergencies
Some situations are life-threatening and require emergency care. Head to a freestanding ER or hospital ER for:
- Suspected heart attack or stroke
- Trouble breathing
- Severe allergic reactions
- Broken bones, severe burns, or heavy bleeding
- High fever that won’t go down
- Uncontrolled vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration
- Suspected poisoning or overdose
- We’ve put together 9 things to expect during a trip to the emergency room.
Wesley Healthcare freestanding ERs have shorter wait times, experienced staff, and a seamless transfer process if hospital care is needed. They even offer pediatric expertise, so your little one is in great hands.
Tip 3: Keep this in mind about freestanding ERs
- Shorter waits: Freestanding ERs often have lower wait times compared to hospital ERs.
- Full-service care: From labs to imaging (X-rays, CT scans), freestanding ERs are well-equipped for emergencies.
- Pediatric expertise and training: Your child’s injury or illness is important. All Wesley Healthcare ERs are pediatric-ready emergency rooms, which means you can trust our specialists to know how to work with and treat your child on their level. If your child needs a higher level of care, we can move kids to Wesley Children’s Hospital.
- Insurance accepted: They accept most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid.
- 24/7 care: Open day and night, all year round!
Tip 4: Choose urgent care for less severe issues
For illnesses and injuries that aren’t emergencies but still need attention quickly, visit an urgent care clinic. Here’s when to go:
- Common illnesses: Cold, flu, strep throat or UTIs
- Minor injuries: Small burns, cuts, sprains or bug bites
- Other concerns: Pink eye, rashes, migraines or eczema
Tip 5: Call for free advice when you’re unsure
Not sure if you should head to an ER, Freestanding ER or urgent care? Call Wesley Healthcare Consult-a-Nurse for free advice on (844) 706-8773. Whether you’re worried about your child’s fever or caring for an aging parent, their nurses can help you make the right decision.
Tip 6: Be prepared before you need care
Emergencies are unpredictable, but being prepared isn’t! Save the nearest Wesley Healthcare ER or freestanding ER location in your phone and keep the Consult-a-Nurse number handy: (844) 706-8773. It’s peace of mind when your family needs it most.
Your family’s health matters, and with these tips, you’ll know just where to go when it counts. Wesely Healthcare offers six convenient locations in the Wichita area:
📌Wesley Andover ER
221 W. US Hwy 54
Andover, KS 67002
📌Wesley Medical Center and Wesley Children’s Hospital
550 N. Hillside St.
Wichita, KS 67214
📌Wesley West ER
8714 W. 13th St. N.
Wichita, KS 67212
📌Wesley Woodlawn ER
2610 N. Woodlawn St.
Wichita, KS 67220
📌Wesley Derby ER
2648 N. Rock Rd.
Derby, KS 67037
Sponsored by Wesley Healthcare.
Wesley Healthcare, as part of HCA Healthcare’s Continental Division, was named the top health system in the state by IBM Watson Health and one of the top five large hospital systems in the country. As the region’s leading acute-care hospital network, Wesley Healthcare has provided a full range of diagnostic and treatment services for patients throughout Kansas and northern Oklahoma since 1912. A leader in Overall Recommended Care in national surveys, Wesley Medical Center treats more than 30,000 patients annually and delivers more than 5,000 babies – more than any hospital in a 13-state region. Wesley also provides the most extensive emergency network in Wichita, with Wesley ER, Wesley Andover ER, Wesley West ER, Wesley Woodlawn ER and Wesley Derby ER, as well as the region’s only pediatric ER. Wesley owns and operates Wesley Medical Center, Wesley Woodlawn Hospital & ER and Wesley Children’s Hospital.
To learn more about Wesley Healthcare’s award-winning care, visit www.wesleymc.com and to learn more about the impact we have on the communities we serve, visit www.wesleymc.com/communityimpact.
