Urgent Care

When should I go to an Urgent Care Clinic?

When your primary care provider is not available for a same-day appointment. No appointment is necessary, and we welcome new patients and walk-ins. Urgent care clinics are open every day of the week and staffed by UW Medicine providers who can provide referrals to emergency services or specialists when medically appropriate. We treat the following non-life-threatening problems: 

• Breathing problems: Coughs, colds, wheezing, mild asthma attacks, influenza, sinus infections and bronchitis 
• Ear problems: Ear infections, earaches, foreign object in the ear, and ear wax removal 
• Eye problems: Red eye, pink eye, and styes 
• Migraines and headaches 
• Musculoskeletal problems: Sprains, strains, and broken bones 
• Skin problems: Rashes, minor burns cuts/scrapes, lacerations, bites, poison ivy, and abscesses/boils 
• Stomach problems: Nausea, vomiting, diar¬rhea, constipation, heartburn symptoms, and abdominal pain 
• Urinary problems: Bladder and urinary tract infections, and concerns of a sexually transmit¬ted infection 
• Work injuries (initiating L&I claim)

When should I go to a Hospital Emergency Department?

If you fear that you have a serious, life-threatening illness or injury such as stroke, heart attack, uncontrollable bleeding or head injury with loss of consciousness – call 911. You should seek care in an emergency room if you have the following: 

• Chest pain or pressure 
• Shortness of breath 
• Severe burns, pain or head trauma 
• Sudden loss of vision 
• Broken bones with bone exposed

Emergency Departments are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.