Urgent, acute & walk-in care
Urgent, acute and walk-in care locations make it easy to see a provider when sudden illnesses or injuries can’t wait. It’s an option that offers convenience when you need care right away, but your condition is not a medical emergency.
In the ER, critical conditions are treated first. This can create longer wait times for less serious conditions. Urgent, acute and walk-in care locations offer faster, more affordable treatment for minor illnesses and injuries
When should I get urgent care?
Urgent, acute or walk-in care is a great option for less serious illnesses and injuries – like minor cuts that need stitches or ear infections that need antibiotics. Seek urgent care when your condition is not a medical emergency, but you would benefit from immediate care and can’t see your primary care provider.
Pediatric urgent care is available at several Sanford Health locations.
We also offer orthopedic walk-in clinics so you can see a specialist on the same day as your injury.
When should I get emergency or primary care instead of urgent care?
You should seek emergency care for serious medical conditions and when delaying care could cause permanent harm or death. For example, chest pain, stroke symptoms and heavy bleeding are all reasons to go to the emergency room.
For more regular wellness needs, like an annual visit, new ongoing health concern, prescription refills or cold and flu symptoms, you may be able to contact your primary care provider. Depending on availability, your provider may be able to see you the same day.
When your primary care provider can’t see you as soon as you’d like, you can explore virtual care options or find an urgent, acute or walk-in clinic near you.