A visit to the emergency room is typically reserved for life-threatening conditions or health concerns that would require medical attention as soon as possible. For illnesses or injuries that are still serious and would require medical attention that same day or evening, urgent care centers would be appropriate. It is often recommended that if it is something you would normally seek a visit with your family doctor and they are not available then a walk-in urgent care is the right place to go. The emergency room is intended for medical emergencies that are likely to require advanced treatments quickly that are only available in hospitals, such as surgical procedures.