When to Seek Emergency Care vs. Other Options

When you're not feeling well or have an injury, it’s natural to want to seek care quickly. But not every situation means heading to the Emergency Department (ED).

Your doctor’s office, FastCare, Urgent Care and virtual care are the best first-choice options for non-emergency needs. Every day in the Bronson ED, we see many patients who could have received effective, more timely, and less costly treatment at one of these care options.

Why Not Just Go to the ED

Using the ED for non-life-threatening issues can lengthen wait times and divert resources from those with serious emergencies. Before heading to the ED, consider these options:

Your Primary Care Doctor:

Your doctor’s office often reserves a number of slots each day for urgent cases, so it’s best to start by calling them first. They also know your medical history and can give you the best advice. 

Immediate Care:

Non-life-threatening and minor illnesses and injuries can be handled at immediate care offices like Bronson FastCare in Kalamazoo or Urgent Care in Battle Creek. Soon, you will also have the option to go to Bronson Urgent Care in Kalamazoo, which will open in 2024. 

Bronson Orthopedic Specialists also offer same-day appointments for broken bones, sprains and strains. Care is also available at non-Bronson walk-in care locations in the community.

On-Demand Video Visit:

For immediate care, you can request an On Demand Video Visit from your mobile device any time from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. This is available to everyone, even if you’re not a Bronson patient. During the visit, you will be asked questions and offered treatment just like an in-person visit.

Emergency Care:

For life-threatening emergencies such as stroke symptoms, chest pain or trouble breathing or per your doctor’s instruction, call 911 or go to the ED right away.

Still Unsure?

Bronson has care advisors available to connect you to the care option that best meets your needs. You can reach them 24/7 at (269) 341-7788.

You can also visit Need Care Now on our website for guidance or use the Bronson MyChart Symptom Checker self-triage tool.
Stay informed about your care options and use these tools to help get the care you need, when you need it.