Urgent Care vs. Emergency Department

Where Should You Go for Medical Care?

Urgent Care is a helpful resource for same-day evaluation of minor illnesses and injuries. Torrance Memorial Urgent Care offices are open weekends and holidays and treat everything from sore throats, cold and flu to earaches, sinus infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), stitches, sprains and minor fractures and more.

Our three urgent care offices, located in Torrance, Manhattan Beach and El Segundo, commonly perform many types of procedure sand offer some lab tests with immediate results from rapid strep and flu tests to urine dipstick and pregnancy tests. We can also perform X-rays for most body parts. 

When to Visit Urgent Care vs. the Emergency Department

Visit Urgent Care for:

• Minor injuries or fractures

• Cold, flu, and infections

• Minor cuts needing stitches

• Sprains and strains

• Mild fever

Go to the Emergency Department Immediately for:

• Chest pain or possible heart attack

• Stroke symptoms (sudden weakness, facial drooping, slurred speech)

• Difficulty breathing

• Severe allergic reactions

• Seizures

• Severe injuries or uncontrolled bleeding

Choosing the right level of care helps ensure you receive treatment quickly and appropriately.

What Services Does Urgent Care Provide?

Urgent care centers provide fast, convenient medical care for non-life-threatening conditions, including:

Common illnesses treated:

• Cold and flu symptoms

• Ear infections

• Sore throat and strep throat

• Sinus infections

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• Fever

Minor injuries treated:

• Sprains and strains

• Minor fractures

• Minor cuts requiring stitches

• Minor burns

Diagnostic services available:

• X-rays

• Rapid flu and strep tests

• Urine testing

• Pregnancy testing

Urgent care is ideal when you need prompt medical attention, but your condition is not life-threatening.