Urgent and Emergency Care

Medical Emergencies

University Health Services is not an urgent care or emergency center. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911. If you need urgent but non-emergency medical care, please see the resources on this page. UHS visits are scheduled by appointment only. Walk-in appointments are not available.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Use the map feature on your computer or phone to find a hospital emergency room near you. If you’re insured and circumstances allow, contact your insurance company to determine which hospital emergency rooms are in-network. We recommend doing this and saving the information in your phone before you have an emergency.

Known HIV Exposure

Call the 24/7 Nurse Advice Line immediately to be evaluated for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). PEP is only effective within the first 72 hours after exposure.

512-475-6877

Sexual Assault

If you’re in immediate danger or need urgent medical care, call 911 If not, view information on sexual assault medical care appointments. .

911

Care for Urgent Medical Concerns When UHS is Open

University Health Services is not an urgent care or emergency center.

Contact the 24/7 UHS Nurse Advice Line at 512-475-6877 first to determine if UHS can meet your needs. If you are already in the Student Services Building (SSB), go to the Patient Access desk on the first floor and speak with a staff member.

Care for Any Medical Concern When UHS Is Closed

If you require medical attention for a non-emergency illness or injury outside of UHS operating hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.):

Visit an urgent care facility for prompt medical care.
Contact the 24/7 UHS Nurse Advice Line at 512-475-6877 if:
- Unsure about the urgency or type of care needed.
- Seeking guidance on self-care at home.
Schedule a UHS appointment online or call 512-471-4955 during business hours for non-urgent symptoms that don't significantly impact daily activities.

Refer to the chart below for differences between primary care, urgent care and emergency facilities.

Category	Primary Care (UHS)	Urgent Cares	Emergency Room
General Scope of Care	Routine, preventive and ongoing care Manages chronic conditions Evaluates non-urgent symptoms	Treats many non-severe, non-life-threatening acute conditions Many can perform X-rays Basic labs (e.g., strep, UTI)	Treats severe or life-threatening conditions Advanced imaging, extensive labs, surgical capabilities Specialists on staff
Access to Hospital Care	Clinic-based Not physically part of a hospital	Usually free standing Not physically part of a hospital	Usually part of a hospital with access to admission and advanced care
Hours of Operation	Business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.)	Extended hours, evenings, weekends and holidays	Open 24/7, 365 days a year
Wait Time	Scheduled appointments Some same-day availability	Typically shorter than ERs First come, first served	Can be long; triaged by severity
Cost	Lowest cost — usually a standard doctor visit co-pay (if you have insurance)	Moderate cost; may be billed as specialist visit with higher co-pay Payment often due at visit	Highest cost Higher co-pays Some plans may not cover non-emergency ER visits
Examples of Conditions Treated	Annual exams Preventive care Mild illness (colds, allergies) Chronic condition management Follow-ups Vaccinations	Flu symptoms Fever with rash Bronchitis or severe cough with fever Sprains or minor fractures Vomiting/diarrhea Minor cuts requiring stitches Bites UTIs	Severe chest pain/pressure Difficulty breathing Severe abdominal pain Paralysis Severe injuries/burns Confusion Vomiting blood Major trauma

Urgent and Emergency Care

Medical Emergencies

Care for Urgent Medical Concerns When UHS is Open

Care for Any Medical Concern When UHS Is Closed

Refer to the chart below for differences between primary care, urgent care and emergency facilities.

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