Urgent care facilities treat patients who are experiencing mild illness or injury on a walk-in basis, whereas a visit to the emergency room only becomes necessary when you are experiencing a life-threatening, or potentially life-threatening illness or injury. An emergency room visit can be costly and time-consuming, but urgent care facilities have shorter wait times and typically dont cost as much, especially when you choose ZendyHealth and save 20-50% on a visit. Most urgent care centers are open 7 days a week with extended hours and do not require appointments to be seen. One example of when you would choose urgent care over the emergency room is if you have a sore throat but youre unable to see your primary care physician until the following week. The medical professionals at an urgent care facility will be able to evaluate your symptoms and test for strep throat, just like your regular doctor would.