Where to Go for Minor, Non-Life-Threatening Concerns, Like the Flu, Cuts and Ear Infections

October 13, 2021

ER vs UC

When you or a loved one has a medical issue that requires immediate care, it’s important to know where to go. For serious medical emergencies like a heart attack or stroke, your destination should be the nearest hospital emergency room (ER).

But what about minor, non-life-threatening concerns, like the flu, cuts and ear infections? A facility like the Urgent Care in Sparks, which is affiliated with Northern Nevada Medical Center, could be the answer.

Urgent Care Centers

The number of urgent care centers continues to increase, as the demand for convenient healthcare increases. Many visit urgent care centers because of the convenience of being able to walk in without an appointment and be seen quickly.

Urgent care centers offer same-day care for the whole family, including:

  • Flu and pneumonia vaccines
  • School and sports physicals
  • Employer drug screens
  • Lab services
  • Imaging services … and more.

It is important to remember that an urgent care center is not a replacement for a continuing relationship with a primary care physician, who serves as your go-to for all of your healthcare services.

Medical Emergency? Make the Right Choice.

Use the following as a guide when you need helping deciding where to go. If you are unsure what type of facility to choose for your emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Go to the ER or Call 911 for:

  • Signs of possible stroke (slurred speech, facial drooping on one side, etc.)
  • Signs of possible heart attack (chest pain, shortness of breath, etc.)
  • Serious burns
  • Fever with rash
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Broken bones
  • Severe cuts
  • Abnormal bleeding
  • Concussion/confusion

Northern Nevada Medical Center
2375 E. Prater Way
Sparks, NV 89434
Phone: 775-331-7000

ER at McCarran NW (freestanding emergency department)
10290 North McCarran Blvd. (next to Discount Tire and Planet Fitness)
Reno, NV 89503
Phone: 775-900-6700

Visit an Urgent Care Center for:

  • Allergies
  • Burns
  • Cold or flu
  • Coughs
  • Cuts
  • Ear infections
  • Pulled/strained muscles
  • Urinary tract infections

Remember! Certain medical conditions are simply too serious for urgent care centers and must be treated at a hospital ER.

Northern Nevada Medical Group - Urgent Care
5265 Vista Blvd.
Sparks, NV 89436

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 am to 7 pm | Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm | Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm

Walk-ins welcome, or you can book a reservation.