We understand that when a medical emergency arises, you seek expert care as fast as possible. The accredited Emergency Department of Jackson-Madison County General Hospital is devoted to providing emergency health services to patients of all ages and providing immediate access to advanced diagnostic services and life-saving care 24/7.
When you’re experiencing an emergency health issue, you need and expect prompt care. That’s what you’ll find at West Tennessee Healthcare, with emergency medicine services conveniently accessible across our communities.
Many health issues, like a sore throat or a sprained ankle, don’t need to be treated immediately, but an emergency can’t wait. When you’re experiencing concerning symptoms, such as shortness of breath or uncontrollable bleeding, you need an experienced medical provider to assess your symptoms and help determine next steps.
At West Tennessee Healthcare facilities, our emergency medicine providers swiftly and thoroughly take steps to get patients the care they need. We do this as quickly as possible without sacrificing our commitment to providing quality care to every patient.
Jackson-Madison County General Hospital is constructing a new ER branch: the Highly Infectious Diseases Department will be adjacent to the Emergency Department. The project will include closing portions of Emergency Drive, parking areas and entrances. Expected completion is August 2026.
Have questions about emergency medicine at West Tennessee Healthcare or about when to seek emergency care? We answer a few common questions below.
Q: What’s an emergency?
A: When it comes to your health, an emergency is a situation that threatens your life, a limb, or your sight. Essentially, it’s any health issue that is either life-threatening or significantly life-altering.
Q: When should you go to the emergency room?
A: It can be challenging to know when a health issue is an emergency. The American College of Emergency Physicians offers a list of red flag symptoms for which you should seek emergency medicine care:
Q: When should you take kids to the emergency room?
A: Children should be taken to the emergency room for any of the symptoms listed above, but there are also some additional symptoms that can be a red flag in kids. Take your child to the emergency room for:
Q: Are accidents a good reason to go to the emergency room?
A: Yes, certain situations are also a red flag that emergency care is needed. Seek emergency attention if you:
Q: When is it better to seek urgent care?
A: Urgent care is a great option when you need medical care sooner than you can see your primary care provider, but not immediately. Urgent care providers can treat:
Q: When is it best to see your primary care provider?
A: Your primary care provider (PCP) should be your go-to for any ongoing medical needs and preventive care.
When it’s possible, it’s also best to see your PCP for minor health issues like those listed above. That’s because your PCP offers care that’s informed by your provider’s knowledge about your medical history and your overall health.
That’s why you’re instructed to follow up with your PCP if you receive emergency care or are seen in an urgent care setting. Your PCP can provide ongoing care related to whatever health concern you experienced.
Q: How do costs compare for emergency care vs. urgent care vs. primary care?
A: That’s a great question. If you’re covered by insurance, the costs of care will depend on your plan’s specific parameters. In most cases, care is priced according to two factors: 1) the expediency of the care and 2) the complexity of care.
That means that emergency care is often quite pricey compared with other care settings. Your insurance copay or coinsurance is usually highest for emergency medicine services—and you’ll pay a higher cost out of pocket for emergency care, too.
Urgent care falls in the middle. Your costs under your insurance plan are probably below those for emergency care but above what it costs to see your primary care provider. The same is true if you’re paying out of pocket.
There’s also a cost in terms of time. While you should certainly seek emergency care if you’re experiencing life- or limb-threatening symptoms, you’ll often spend longer waiting for emergency care than you would at an urgent care facility because those with life-threatening symptoms are seen first. So, turn to an urgent care clinic or PCP for non-emergency symptoms.
