When to Go to the ER vs Our Clinic
Go to the emergency room or call 911 immediately for any life-threatening symptoms, including:
- Uncontrolled or arterial bleeding
- Signs of shock (pale/clammy skin, confusion, fainting)
- Major head or neck trauma, breathing difficulty, chest pain
- Large or deep burns, electrical/chemical burns
- Severe injuries with visible deformity and loss of function
Come to our clinic (or call us for guidance) for urgent but non-life-threatening issues, such as:
- Lacerations/cuts that may need stitches or tissue glue
- Puncture wounds and contaminated wounds
- Closed fractures without deformity/instability; severe sprains
- Burns that need assessment but are not severe or extensive
- Bruises/contusions, abrasions, and many tendon/soft-tissue injuries
Not sure? Call our office. We’ll triage by phone and direct you to the right setting.
First Contact And Triage: What Happens At Your Visit
Our priorities are stabilization, accurate assessment, and comfort. Your surgeon or clinical team will:
- Take a focused history (what happened, meds, allergies, previous medical conditions, etc.)
- Examine the area for bleeding, contamination, nerve/tendon involvement, and infection risk
- Order X-rays or other imaging if we suspect a fracture or deeper injury
- Control bleeding and thoroughly clean the wound
For closures, we use sutures, tissue adhesive, or adhesive strips, choosing what best supports healing and scarring.
Diagnostic Testing And Imaging
Not every injury is obvious. We use:
- X-rays for suspected fractures or foreign bodies
- Additional imaging or nerve/soft-tissue tests when indicated
We order only what’s needed and explain why.
On-Site Treatments And Procedures
Many urgent procedures can be completed the same day:
- Wound care and closure (sutures, glue, adhesive strips)
- Debridement to remove dead tissue/foreign material
- Immobilization/splinting for certain fractures and severe sprains
- Minor tendon/soft-tissue repairs when appropriate
If your injury requires staged or more complex reconstruction, our team will explain options and coordinate your specialized care.
Pain Control, Infection Prevention, And Aftercare
After the procedure, you’ll leave with clear instructions covering:
- Pain management (including anti-inflammatory and non-opioid options when appropriate)
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Infection prevention and when antibiotics are recommended
- Red-flag symptoms that should prompt an immediate call
When needed, we coordinate physical or occupational therapy to restore motion, strength, and regain full function.
Coordination With On-Site Surgical Resources
If a procedure is better performed in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC), we coordinate seamlessly with our on-site surgery center and our network of specialists. For injuries/wounds requiring hospital care or advanced reconstruction, we facilitate transfer and continuity so you’re not left navigating it alone.
Recovery, Follow-Up, And When Reconstructive Surgery May Be Needed
Healing timelines vary. Many wounds and minor fractures improve over weeks with 1–2 follow-ups. Burns and complex wounds may need staged care and, occasionally, reconstructive surgery to restore function and appearance. We schedule follow-ups to catch and treat problems early to help keep recovery on track.
Practical Tips For Patients Seeking Urgent Surgical Care
Call ahead when possible so we can advise ER vs clinic and prepare for your visit. Chicago Surgical Clinic accepts appointment requests online and by phone.
Bring ID, insurance info, medication list, and medical history if known.
Expect the clinician to discuss next steps clearly: imaging needs, treatment options, pain control, and follow-up plans.
Tell us if the injury is work-related or part of a legal claim; we’ll document appropriately and start case coordination.
Final Thoughts
Facing an injury is stressful. Knowing what urgent surgical care involves helps you decide quickly and confidently. At Chicago Surgical Clinic in Arlington Heights, we provide expert evaluation, coordination of imaging services, same-day treatments, and coordinated follow-up for non-life-threatening injuries. For any life-threatening symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest ER. For urgent but not life-threatening concerns, call Chicago Surgical Clinic or request an urgent consult—we’ll guide you to the right next step.
