Urgent Care vs. ER vs. Injury Center vs. Virtual

Not only is the number of patients treated at hospitals going up, but according to the American Hospital Association, the percentage of those patients who are sicker, with more complex issues, is on the increase. That’s why it’s important to know the options available, especially if you have a less urgent medical concern and convenience is a priority. 

To help you determine what kind of medical care is best, we’ve put together a quick guide. 

In many cases, the first step towards feeling better is a virtual visit. Our virtual options include a Same Day/Next Day Video Visit with a primary care clinician or an on-demand JeffConnect Video Visit with an urgent care clinician. 

You can also choose an E-Visit, available through MyLVHN, to consult with a clinician via an interactive questionnaire. For medical or care questions, call our 24/7 nurse line at 888-402-LVHN, option 4. 

All these virtual avenues keep you safe at home and help our clinicians evaluate your needs and determine if you should be seen in person. To learn more, visit LVHN.org/virtualvisits.

Start with a virtual visit if you are experiencing:  

• Animal bites, insect bites and rashes
• COVID-19 symptoms
• Cough, cold, flu, cold sores or sore throat
• Ear pain
• Lower back, neck, muscle or bone pain
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Pinkeye
• Seasonal allergies
• Urinary problems

When you need to see a doctor in person, we offer convenient JeffExpress Urgent Care locations open seven days a week, including two Children's ExpressCare locations. Walk-ins are welcome and our Save My Spot feature lets you select an appointment time. Check wait times on our location pages.

Our urgent care locations are best for:

• Allergies and sinusitis
• Animal bites and minor wounds
• Back pain (Care is also available through our Advanced Spine Center. For same-day/next-day appointments, call 610-402-3300.)
• Broken bones without an open wound
• Bronchitis or cough
• Cold, sore throat, minor headache or minor fever
• COVID-19 tests (You will need a prescription. Learn how by visiting our Testing Services webpage.)
• Ear pain, eye swelling or irritation
• Flu and flu shots
• Nausea
• Poison ivy and other rashes
• Sprains or strains

When you’re faced with a serious health concern that requires immediate care, the emergency department at your local Jefferson/Lehigh Valley hospital is the best choice. Any of the following requires emergency room care right away:

• Broken bone accompanied by an open wound
• Chest pain or pressure, or pain in jaw, neck or arms
• Deep cuts or wounds that won’t stop bleeding
• Coughing up blood
• Any type of head injury or loss of consciousness
• Severe abdominal pain
• Severe shortness of breath
• Signs of stroke, including numbness, impaired balance, drooped face, speech slurring or blurred/double vision
• Suicidal thoughts

If you have an injury, you can be seen without an appointment by an orthopedic expert at one of our Orthopedic Injury Centers. Our nationally ranked team specializes in treating non-life-threatening orthopedic injuries that occurred within the last 48 hours.

• Athletic injuries
• Broken bones/fractures
• Dislocations and joint separations
• Ligaments and tendon injuries
• Muscle pulls and tears
• Slip and fall injuries
• Sprains and strains

If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis, Jefferson’s crisis services are available 24/7 at three locations. In the Lehigh Valley, use these local county crisis hotlines. You can also call the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 (or dial 1-800-273-8255).

It’s important to learn the right option for medical care. Selecting the right care option will help you get the most appropriate care in the shortest amount of time. It also helps others by reducing wait times across the entire health system – and that’s something everyone can appreciate!

Learn more about our virtual care options and where you can find JeffExpress locations in the Lehigh Valley.