Where to go for minor, non-life-threatening concerns, like the flu, cuts and ear infections

December 30, 2022

UC vs ERWhen you or a loved one has a medical issue that requires immediate care, it’s important to know where to go. For serious medical emergencies like a heart attack or stroke, your destination should be the nearest hospital emergency room (ER). But what about minor, non-life-threatening concerns, like the flu, cuts and ear infections? Getting care at one of the Northwest Urgent Care Centers could be the answer.

Urgent Care Centers

An urgent care center can be the solution for visits that are conveniently located and are able to care for you quickly as a walk-in patient, no appointment required.  Urgent care centers offer same-day care for the whole family, including:

  • Flu and pneumonia vaccines
  • School and sports physicals
  • Employer drug screens
  • Lab services
  • Imaging services ... and more.

​It is important to remember that an urgent care center is not a replacement for a continuing relationship with a primary care physician, who serves as your go-to for all of your healthcare services.

Medical Emergency? Make the Right Choice

Use the following as a guide when you need help deciding where to go. If you are unsure what type of facility to choose for your emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Go to the ER or call 911 for:

  • Signs of possible stroke (slurred speech, facial drooping on one side, etc.)
  • Signs of possible heart attack (chest pain, shortness of breath, etc.)
  • Serious burns
  • Fever with rash
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Broken bones
  • Severe cuts
  • Abnormal bleeding
  • Concussion/confusion

Main Hospital Emergency Department
Northwest Texas Healthcare System
1501 South Coulter Street
Amarillo, TX 79106
Phone: 806-354-1000

Northwest Emergency on Georgia 
4121 S. Georgia St.
Amarillo, TX 79110
Phone: 806-351-7700

Northwest Emergency at Town Square 
8960 Hillside Road
Amarillo, TX 79119
Phone: 806-351-6987

Visit an Urgent Care Center for:

  • Allergies
  • Burns
  • Cold or flu
  • Coughs
  • Cuts
  • Ear infections
  • Pulled/strained muscles
  • Urinary tract infections

Remember, certain medical conditions are simply too serious for urgent care centers and must be treated at a hospital ER.

Northwest Urgent Care
7200 Southwest 45th Avenue, Unit 14
Amarillo, TX 79109

Northwest Urgent Care SE
1900 Southeast 34th Avenue, Unit 1700
Amarillo, TX 79118

Walk-ins welcome, or you can book a reservation.