{"id":13787,"date":"2026-02-09T20:59:13","date_gmt":"2026-02-09T20:59:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/?p=13787"},"modified":"2026-02-11T21:01:14","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T21:01:14","slug":"5-urgent-care-myths","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/2026\/02\/09\/5-urgent-care-myths\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Urgent Care Myths"},"content":{"rendered":"

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When a sudden illness or injury strikes, many people hesitate and ask: Should I wait it out? Call my primary care doctor? Go to urgent care? Or head straight to the emergency room?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Urgent care centers are designed to bridge the gap between\u00a0<\/span>your\u00a0<\/span>primary care\u00a0<\/span>doctor\u00a0<\/span>and the emergency room<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0M<\/span>isconceptions<\/span>, however,<\/span>\u00a0still prevent many people from using them when they should.\u00a0<\/span>Make sure you and your family<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>get the right care,\u00a0<\/span>at the right place, and\u00a0<\/span>at the right time.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Below are five of the most common myths about urgent care.<\/span><\/p>\n

Myth #1: Urgent Care Is Just for Minor Problems<\/h3>\n

While urgent care\u00a0<\/span>centers\u00a0<\/span>aren\u2019t<\/span>\u00a0meant for life-threatening emergencies,\u00a0<\/span>patients can be evaluated and treated for many more things than they realize<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Urgent care centers routinely treat a wide range of illnesses and injuries that need same-day attention.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUrgent care is appropriate for many conditions that feel serious but don\u2019t require an emergency room,\u201d says\u00a0<\/span>John Ruskey, DO<\/span><\/b>, Medical Director,\u00a0Cooper Urgent Care in\u00a0Cape May Court House, Hammonton, Marmora, and Wildwood<\/a>.\u00a0\u201cThat includes things like suspected fractures, deep cuts that may need stitches, breathing issues that aren\u2019t severe, and infections that need prompt treatment.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to evaluating injuries and illnesses, many urgent care centers offer on-site X-rays, lab testing, wound care,\u00a0and\u00a0splinting.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Myth #2: If It Hurts, I Should Go Straight to the ER<\/h3>\n

Pain can be alarming,\u00a0but pain alone\u00a0doesn\u2019t\u00a0always mean the ER is necessary. Urgent care is often the right choice for injuries and conditions that are painful but stable.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sprains, strains, minor fractures, ear infections, kidney stone symptoms, sinus infections, and\u00a0minor\u00a0abdominal pain can often be evaluated safely at urgent care.\u00a0Clinicians\u00a0can\u00a0determine\u00a0whether further testing or referral to the ER is needed.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe emergency room is the best place for symptoms like chest pain, stroke warning signs, uncontrolled bleeding, or severe shortness of breath,\u201d Dr. Ruskey explains. \u201cBut for many painful conditions,\u00a0such as sprains, ear infections, and skin infections,\u00a0urgent care can provide faster evaluation and treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Myth #3: Urgent Care Is Only for Kids or Young Adults<\/h3>\n

Cooper\u2019s\u00a0Urgent\u00a0Care\u00a0Centers treat patients of all ages. Adults, especially those 40 and older, account for many urgent care visits.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

From back pain and joint injuries to respiratory infections, UTIs, and minor burns, Cooper’s Urgent Care treat many conditions that commonly affect adults and older adults. Seasonal issues like slips and falls, overuse injuries from activities such as pickleball or gardening, and complications from chronic conditions also bring patients through urgent care doors.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdults often delay care because they think they can push through the concern,\u201d says Dr. Ruskey. \u201cBut early evaluation can prevent complications and help people recover faster.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Myth #4:\u00a0You\u2019ll\u00a0Wait Just as Long as the ER<\/h3>\n

One of the biggest advantages of urgent care is shorter wait times. Emergency rooms use a\u00a0triage system, meaning the sickest patients are seen first,\u00a0which can lead to long waits for less serious conditions.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Urgent care centers typically\u00a0operate\u00a0on a first-come, first-served basis, and many patients are seen within\u00a030 to 60 minutes. At Cooper Urgent Care<\/a> locations in Audubon, Cinnaminson, and Cherry Hill, patients have the\u00a0option\u00a0to\u00a0<\/span>reserve a spot online<\/span><\/a>, though walk-ins are also welcome. Cooper Urgent Care locations in Cape May Court House, Hammonton, Marmora, and Wildwood are walk-in only.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUrgent care is designed for efficiency,\u201d Dr. Ruskey says. \u201cPatients can often get in, get treated, and get back home much faster than they would in an emergency department.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Myth #5: Urgent Care Is Expensive<\/h3>\n

In most cases, urgent care is\u00a0significantly less expensive\u00a0than an emergency room visit. While costs vary by insurance plan, urgent care copays and out-of-pocket costs are\u00a0generally lower\u00a0than ER charges for similar services.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Choosing urgent care when\u00a0appropriate not\u00a0only saves money for\u00a0patients but\u00a0also helps reduce overcrowding in emergency rooms.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUsing the right level of care benefits everyone,\u201d Dr. Ruskey says. \u201cIt helps patients avoid unnecessary costs and ensures emergency departments are available for the most critical patients.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When Urgent Care\u00a0Is<\/i>\u00a0the Right Choice<\/h3>\n

Urgent care is often the best\u00a0option\u00a0for conditions such as:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n