When an injury happens, it’s not always clear where to go for the right care. Do you head to the emergency room, or is orthopedic urgent care the better option?
While the ER is necessary for life-threatening situations, orthopedic urgent care (Ortho UC) is often the best choice for non-life-threatening musculoskeletal injuries, such as sprains, fractures and sports-related trauma. Ortho Urgent Care is intended to treat injuries that have occurred within the last 72 hours.
If you or a loved one experiences an orthopedic injury, knowing when to seek Ortho Urgent Care at Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute (KCOI) instead of the ER can save time, reduce costs, and ensure you receive specialized care quickly.
What is Orthopedic Urgent Care?
Orthopedic urgent care provides fast, specialized treatment for bone, joint and muscle injuries that do not require emergency room intervention. Instead of waiting for hours in an ER and seeing a general physician, patients at KCOI Ortho Urgent Care receive immediate attention from orthopedic specialists trained in musculoskeletal injuries.
KCOI Ortho Urgent Care offers walk-in services seven days a week. In some cases, patients can schedule follow-up care with a specialist within 24 hours. If a fracture is confirmed, KCOI does its best to ensure patients are seen by a specialist within a day.
Ortho Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room: Where Should You Go?
Deciding whether to go to KCOI Ortho Urgent Care or the ER depends on the severity and type of injury. Below is a breakdown to help guide your decision.
When to Choose Orthopedic Urgent Care:
- Sports Injuries: Sprains, strains, dislocations and fractures that don’t break the skin can be effectively treated at KCOI Ortho Urgent Care.
- Bone Fractures: If the bone is not protruding through the skin, Ortho Urgent Care can provide rapid diagnosis and treatment, including casting and splinting.
- Sprains and Strains: Mild to moderate ligament and muscle injuries such as torn ACL, torn MCL, muscle contusions and minor lacerations are best managed by orthopedic specialists.
- Nerve Compression Injuries: Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica and pinched nerves that cause pain, numbness or weakness can be evaluated and treated.
- Joint Injuries: Shoulder dislocations, knee injuries and other non-emergency joint issues can be assessed and treated without an ER visit.
When to Visit the ER Instead:
- Severe Head Injuries: If the injury involves loss of consciousness, confusion or vomiting, immediate ER care is necessary.
- Open Fractures: If the bone has punctured the skin, it requires emergency medical attention.
- Severe Bleeding or Deep Lacerations: If bleeding cannot be controlled or a deep wound is present, the ER is the safest option.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: If there is any suspicion of a spinal injury, especially with symptoms of paralysis or extreme pain, seek emergency care immediately.
- Chest Pain or Difficulty Breathing: These symptoms may indicate a more serious medical issue that requires ER intervention.
The Advantages of Choosing KCOI Ortho UC Over the ER
When it comes to musculoskeletal injuries, choosing KCOI Ortho UC over the ER has significant benefits:
- Specialized Care: Instead of seeing a general physician, you’ll receive immediate attention from orthopedic experts who specialize in treating bone, muscle and joint injuries.
- Shorter Wait Times: ER wait times can be unpredictable, while KCOI Ortho UC offers faster service tailored to orthopedic conditions.
- Cost Savings: ER visits often result in higher medical bills, whereas Ortho UC provides a more affordable alternative for non-life-threatening injuries.
- Quick Access to Specialists: If follow-up care is needed, KCOI Ortho UC can often schedule an appointment with a specialist within 24 hours—ensuring seamless care from injury to recovery.
- Convenient Location: KCOI Ortho UC is conveniently located at 3651 College Boulevard in Leawood, KS, and is open seven days a week. No appointment necessary; walk-ins are welcome. You can also call ahead to 913-218-0800, or save your spot online at https://www.kcoi.com/online-check-in/.
Get the Right Care Without the ER Wait
When an orthopedic injury happens, don’t waste time in the ER if you don’t have to. KCOI’s Orthopedic Urgent Care offers expert treatment, short wait times and specialized follow-up care—all designed to get you back to doing what you love, pain-free.
Many people want to get help right away to reduce pain and ensure their bodies heal properly. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians and surgeons are highly experienced and are considered among the best orthopedic providers in the Midwest.
For questions regarding your injury, please call us at 913-218-0800. If you have a life-threatening injury, please dial 9-1-1.
For more information about the Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute, please check out our About page.
