When you’re feeling sick or hurt, it’s not always easy to know where to go for care. At Stopwatch Urgent Care, our mission is to help Alabama families make smart, informed choices about their health—especially when it comes to deciding between urgent care and the emergency room (ER).
This quick guide will help you choose the right level of care so you can get treated faster, feel better sooner, and avoid unnecessary stress.
What Is Urgent Care?
Urgent care clinics are the perfect middle ground between your primary care doctor and the emergency room. At Stopwatch Urgent Care, we treat non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries every day—and we do it fast.
We’re open 7 days a week, with walk-ins always welcome and evening hours for your convenience.
Common conditions we treat include:
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Cold, cough, or flu symptoms
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Minor injuries and sprains
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Ear infections and pink eye
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Mild allergic reactions or asthma flare-ups
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Cuts, scrapes, and minor burns
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UTIs and other common infections
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School, sports, and work physicals
Urgent care is often faster, more affordable, and less stressful than the ER—especially when your condition doesn’t require emergency-level attention.
When Should You Go to the ER?
The emergency room is designed to handle serious, life-threatening conditions that require immediate and specialized care.
You should go to the ER for:
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Chest pain or shortness of breath
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Stroke symptoms (sudden numbness, slurred speech, confusion)
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Severe bleeding or trauma
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Serious head injuries
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Seizures
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Loss of consciousness
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Severe burns
If you or someone else is experiencing any of the above, don’t wait—call 911 or go straight to the ER.
Urgent Care vs. ER: Quick Comparison
| Condition | Urgent Care | Emergency Room |
|---|---|---|
| Cold, cough, or sore throat | ✅ | ❌ |
| High fever (without other severe symptoms) | ✅ | ❌ |
| Chest pain or shortness of breath | ❌ | ✅ |
| Minor sprains or simple fractures | ✅ | ❌ |
| Serious injuries or head trauma | ❌ | ✅ |
| Ear infections or pink eye | ✅ | ❌ |
| Stroke symptoms | ❌ | ✅ |
Why Choose Stopwatch Urgent Care?
With 9 convenient locations across Alabama, Stopwatch Urgent Care is here when you need us most—whether you’re at home, on the road, or in between errands. Our name says it all: we’re built for speed, convenience, and quality care.
What you can expect:
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Walk-in availability every day
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Open 7 days a week with extended hours
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Short wait times
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On-site labs and X-rays
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Compassionate care for all ages
Stopwatch Urgent Care is here to get you in, treated, and back to life—faster.
Stopwatch Urgent Care is Here for YOU!
Knowing whether to visit urgent care or the ER can save you time, money, and unnecessary worry. For everyday medical needs, Stopwatch Urgent Care is your local, trusted source for fast, expert care in Alabama.
Find your nearest location and check in online at StopwatchUrgentCare.com
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