When you’re feeling sick or injured outside of regular office hours, it can be hard to know where to turn. Your primary care doctor might be closed, but you also don’t want to sit in a crowded ER for something that isn’t life-threatening.

The good news? You can see a doctor after hours without an appointment. The key is understanding your options, and knowing which type of care is best for your situation.

What Might Require an After-Hours Doctor Visit?

Not every health issue can wait until morning. While some problems are true emergencies, many others are urgent but not severe enough to justify a trip to the emergency room.

Here are a few examples of common reasons people seek care after hours:

• Cold or flu symptoms that worsen suddenly
• Minor injuries like sprains, strains, or cuts that may need stitches
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) that cause discomfort or pain
• Ear infections—especially common in children at night
• Allergic reactions that are uncomfortable but not life-threatening
• Mild asthma flare-ups needing quick relief
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that starts suddenly and won’t stop

In all of these cases, waiting could make things worse. You might not need emergency-level care, but you still need to be seen by a provider—and fast.

Your After-Hours Care Options: What’s Available?

When you’re dealing with a sudden health issue after hours, you generally have three options: primary care, urgent care, or the emergency room. Each serves a different purpose.

Here’s what you need to know.

Primary Care Providers

Your primary care doctor is your go-to for routine medical needs: checkups, managing chronic conditions, and follow-ups. Some practices offer limited after-hours support, but most keep weekday schedules and close in the evenings and on weekends.

If your symptoms are mild and you’re not in urgent discomfort, it might be okay to wait and contact your primary care provider in the morning. But for anything that needs prompt attention, you’ll likely need to consider urgent care or an ER.

Urgent Care Centers

Urgent care centers are designed for non-life-threatening issues that can’t wait until the next day. They’re typically open late into the evening and on weekends, offering a convenient solution when your doctor’s office is closed.

You don’t need an appointment. Most locations welcome walk-ins and can treat a wide range of issues, including:

• Fevers and infections
• Sore throats and strep
• Minor burns and cuts
• Sprains, strains, or possible fractures
• Rashes or allergic reactions
• Earaches and sinus infections

Urgent care is often quicker and more affordable than a visit to the ER. Many clinics, including CareStation Medical Group, also have on-site X-rays and labs, so you can get a diagnosis and treatment all in one place.

Emergency Room (ER)

The ER is the right place for serious or life-threatening conditions. It’s staffed 24/7 with specialists and advanced medical equipment that can handle complex and critical situations.

• Go to the emergency room if you experience:
• Chest pain or pressure
• Trouble breathing
• Heavy bleeding
• Severe burns
• Sudden weakness or numbness (especially on one side of the body)
• Head trauma or loss of consciousness
• Signs of a stroke or heart attack

While the ER is essential for these emergencies, it’s not ideal for minor illnesses or injuries. You may face long wait times and higher costs for care that could be handled just as effectively—and more quickly—at urgent care.

How CareStation Medical Group Can Help You After Hours

At CareStation Medical Group, we know health problems can strike at any time. That’s why our urgent care locations stay open after hours to make sure you can get care when you need it most.

We treat both adults and children with:

• Minor injuries
• Infections
• Cold and flu symptoms
• Digestive issues
• Mild breathing problems
• And more

At CareStation Medical Group, we’re here for you—even after hours. If you’re not feeling well or have an injury that needs quick attention, just walk into one of our urgent care centers. We have several convenient locations across New Jersey, extended evening and weekend hours, and on-site diagnostic services to help you feel better, faster.

Not sure if your condition qualifies for urgent care? Our team can help you decide whether you need urgent care or a higher level of treatment. To learn more, contact us now or give us a call today at (908) 925-CARE (2273).