In the event of an emergency, the last thing you want to do is spend time sitting in the waiting room of an ER. The most time-sensitive cases, like heart attacks, receive care immediately, while people with less severe conditions, like fractures, might spend hours waiting for care. However, it may be possible to minimize your wait, and we’ll show you how.
Should I go to an urgent care or an emergency room?
An urgent care clinic is best suited for minor injuries and common illnesses, including, but not limited to:
However, urgent care clinics often aren’t equipped to handle major injuries, illnesses, and traumas. If you experience any of the following, an emergency room is an appropriate place to seek care:
If you have any doubt as to whether you should go to the emergency room or an urgent care clinic for your condition, opt for the ER.
How long is the wait at an ER?
According to Texas Health Resources, the average wait time for an emergency room at a high-volume hospital in Texas is about 298 minutes (4 hours and 58 minutes). Of course, this time varies depending on a number of factors.
You may be wondering, why is the wait so long? It can take this amount of time because every patient goes through a process called triage, during which a nurse or medical professional evaluates each patient’s health and determines how life-threatening their condition is. Patients experiencing a severe medical event, like a heart attack or stroke, will receive care first over someone whose injury is not as time-sensitive, like a broken arm. If more and more patients come in experiencing life-threatening events while you wait, you’ll have to stay even longer.
What is the best time to go to an emergency room?
In theory, the best time to go to the ER is when there will be no wait, but this is impossible to predict. Additionally, if you are experiencing a time-sensitive, life-threatening emergency, the best time to go is as soon as possible.
How can I avoid a long wait at the emergency room?
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, do not worry about the wait at the ER; call 911 immediately. If your condition will not worsen if you wait a little while to go, like a low-grade fever, you can use InQuicker to minimize your wait and spend the time before your appointment at home. All it takes is three steps:
Where is my nearest ER?
Knowing where to go when minutes matter is essential. Locate your nearest St. Luke’s Health emergency location and bookmark our InQuicker page for easy access today.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a non-life-threatening emergency, use InQuicker today to minimize your waiting time:
Our online check-in feature minimizes your wait time at the ER and maximizes your time with our expert care team.
Shorten Your ER Wait Time
St. Luke’s Health is inviting local non-profit organizations to consider applying for grants that support the delivery of services vital to improving health.
Read More Additional information about 2025 CommonSpirit Community Health Improvement Grant ProgramSt. Luke’s Health-Sugar Land Hospital has added a new service to ensure that women in labor have access to the care they need, as they need it. The hospital’s Family Birthing Center now includes an Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospitalist program.
Read More Additional information about Sugar Land Hospital Adds New OB/GYN Hospitalist ProgramFive St. Luke’s Health hospitals earned “A” Hospital Safety Grades from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 measures of errors
Read More Additional information about St. Luke’s Health Hospitals Earn ‘A’ Hospital Safety GradesLooking for a doctor? Perform a quick search by name or browse by specialty.
