Accidents happen—and when they do, it’s essential to get the right type of medical care as quickly as possible. If you’re facing an orthopedic injury, you may be wondering whether to visit the Iowa Ortho Urgent Injury Clinic (UIC) or go directly to the emergency room (ER).

Here’s a guide to help you decide based on the type and severity of your injury.

When to Choose Orthopedic Urgent Care

The Iowa Ortho Urgent Injury Clinic is designed to treat non-life-threatening musculoskeletal injuries—often faster and more affordably than an ER visit.

Common injuries we treat at our UIC include:

1. Minor Fractures and Sprains
   If you think you’ve suffered a small fracture, sprained ankle, or wrist, our UIC is fully equipped with on-site X-rays and can provide splinting or casting right away.
2. Sports Injuries
   Whether it’s a twisted knee, pulled muscle, or shoulder strain, our orthopedic providers can assess and treat a wide range of sports-related injuries on the spot.
3. Non-Severe Joint Injuries
   Joint issues like swelling, pain, or limited motion in the shoulder, elbow, knee, or wrist can be evaluated at our UIC. We’ll provide diagnostic imaging, and if needed, you’ll receive a fast-tracked referral to one of our orthopedic specialists.

Walk-In Hours:

• Monday–Friday: 7 AM – 7 PM
• Saturday: 8 AM – 12 PM

When to Go to the Emergency Room

Certain injuries are too severe to be handled in an orthopedic urgent care clinic and require emergency care.

Head to the ER if you experience:

1. Severe Fractures (Compound or Open Fractures)
   If the bone is sticking out of the skin or the limb appears visibly deformed, you’ll need immediate care at an ER.
    Iowa Ortho’s orthopedic trauma surgeons treat severe injuries at MercyOne Medical Center and Mercy West Lakes.
2. Head or Spine Injuries
   Any injury involving the head or neck, especially if accompanied by loss of consciousness, requires emergency evaluation to rule out brain or spinal cord damage.
3. Multiple Traumas
   If you’ve experienced several orthopedic injuries or injuries that involve significant bleeding or trauma to other body systems, the ER is best equipped to manage your care.
4. Serious Falls in Elderly Individuals
   Older adults are more prone to fractures, including broken hips, during falls. A fall in an elderly person—especially one not caused by an obvious trip—should be evaluated in the ER to rule out underlying causes such as neurological or cardiac issues.

Still Unsure Where to Go?

If you’re not sure whether your injury requires orthopedic urgent care or emergency care, you can always call or text Iowa Ortho at 515-247-8400 for guidance during business hours.

For fast, expert care of non-life-threatening orthopedic injuries, visit our Urgent Injury Clinic. We’re here to get you back on your feet—quickly and safely.