Emergency Care
If you have a life-threatening injury or another medical emergency,
call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department.
Our
ER locations in San Diego County are open 24 hours every day.
When you’re dealing with an injury or illness — whether it’s minor or critical — and want care right away at a walk-in clinic, come to UC San Diego Health. We have three same-day treatment options for kids and adults.
Express and Urgent Care: Walk in or
reserve your spot online.
What's the difference between urgent care, Express Care and the ER? Read a summary of services to decide where to go, depending on your age, symptoms and condition.
When to Go to Express Care
Minor health issues: When you have a common illness or injury or face a relatively minor situation that can’t wait for an appointment with a primary care provider. This in-person care is available for patients 6 months and older.
Prompt wellness services: When you want same-day wellness services, such as
flu shots or sports physicals.
Save time: Wait times are usually shorter than at ER or Urgent Care.
Virtual visits: Express Care video visits for some health conditions 7 days a week from the comfort of your home. However, you must be 18 years or older for these telehealth appointments.
Note: Express Care clinics provide quick on-site testing for some conditions. X-ray services are available at most locations. Co-pays are typically the same as a clinic appointment.
Symptoms and Conditions Treated in Patients 6 months and older
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Bladder or urinary tract infections
- Coughs and colds
-
COVID-19 testing or symptom evaluation
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Earaches and ear infections
- Fever or flu-like symptoms
- Minor burns
- Minor cuts and wound care
- Simple fractures, sprains and strains
- Sinus infections
- Skin infections
- Sore throat or strep throat
Quick on-site testing: We offer "point-of-care" testing for certain conditions. You’ll get the results before you leave the clinic for the following: blood sugar (fingertip), flu test, pregnancy (urine test), strep test, rapid COVID-19 tests,
rapid RSV tests and urinalysis.
Walk-In Wellness Services
- Blood pressure checks
- Certain gynecology needs, including birth control prescriptions and pregnancy testing (pap smears are not performed)
- EpiPen prescriptions
-
Flu vaccinations
- Sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment
- Sports physicals or health screenings for camp or school for children ages 6 and above (except those that require a doctor's authorization)
- X-ray services available on-site at
Encinitas,
Eastlake / Chula Vista and
Rancho Bernardo
When to Go to Urgent Care
Non-emergency health problems: When you face a condition that is
not life- or limb-threatening, but still requires prompt care within 24 hours. Available for individuals of all ages.
X-ray and lab services: When you may need diagnostic X-ray and lab services.
Access to physicians: When it's important to have a physician available on-site.
Note: Co-pays at
Urgent Care clinics are often lower than those for an ER visit but may be higher than a regular clinic visit.
Symptoms and Conditions Treated in Patients of All Ages
- Accidents and falls
- COVID-19 symptoms
- Cuts that require stitches
- Dehydration
- Fever and flu
- Infections and skin rashes
- Minor trauma (such as a broken finger)
- Moderate back problems
- Painful urination
- Recurrent headaches
- Severe sore throat
- Strains and sprains
- Vomiting
Quick on-site testing: We offer "point-of-care" testing for certain conditions. You’ll get the results before you leave the clinic for the following: blood sugar (fingertip), flu test, pregnancy (urine test), strep test, rapid COVID-19 tests,
rapid RSV tests and urinalysis.
When to Go to ER / Emergency Care
Emergencies: When you have a major, life-threatening injury or a very severe illness that requires immediate attention.
Full array of services: When access to on-site surgical, diagnostic and lab services is important to you.
Access to specialists: When it's important to be seen by an emergency medicine doctor or a specialist.
Note: Co-pays are typically higher for
ER services and wait times may be longer.
Symptoms and Conditions Treated in Patients of All Ages
- Chest pain
- Compound fracture
- Deep wound that needs stitches
- Disorientation and inability to speak
- Gunshot or knife wound
- High fever (including in newborn baby)
- Loss of consciousness
- Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
- Paralysis
- Persistent bleeding
- Poisoning
- Rapid testicular inflammation and pain
- Seizure
- Severe burn
- Severe heart palpitations
- Severe injuries, including those to the head or eyes
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden and severe head pain
- Vision loss
Traumatic Injury
Trauma injuries that are life-threatening, such as a motor vehicle collision or gunshot wound, are treated in our
Level 1 Trauma Center.