A Level 4 Trauma Center

Winona Health has a 24-hour Emergency Care department staffed by dedicated physicians, associate providers, registered nurses and support staff. Specialty physicians are on-call, responding at the request of the Emergency Care staff. All age groups are served and no patient is denied treatment.

In a medical emergency, call 911

Remember: In most cases, the fastest way to get emergency medical assistance is to call 911. When you think something is a medical emergency, it’s best to be safe: Call 911.

Please bring a list of all current prescriptions and over the counter medications you are taking.

Choosing between Emergency Room, Urgent care and Virtual Urgent Care

Medical emergencies can happen any time. That’s why the Emergency Department is always open.

By choosing the Emergency Department only when necessary, you help ensure that caregivers in the Emergency Department are available for patients who need immediate, critical care.

Seeing your Primary Care provider is usually the best way to get care, however, we understand that might not work best for you. Below is a guide to help you decide whether an Emergency Room, Urgent care or Virtual Urgent Care visit would be best.

If an illness or injury seems more critical than something you’d see your primary care doctor for or if you need care in the middle of the night, seek emergency care. If possible, bring a list of current prescriptions and over-the-counter medications you are taking. Emergency Care is for:

  • Complex fractures or bones breaking through the skin
  • Head injuries, or a sudden-onset, severe headache or loss or blurring of vision, stroke symptoms
  • Chest pain, heart attack symptoms, or suspected sudden cardiac arrest (heart stopping)
  • Serious cut or break in the skin, severe bleeding
  • Suspected or possible poisoning
  • Severe intoxication, substance overdose or attempted suicide

If it’s something you’d typically see your primary care provider for but can’t get an immediate appointment or it’s after hours, Urgent Care is a good option. Bring your insurance card, photo ID, and a list of current medications. Urgent Care works for things like:

  • Sprains, strains or possible broken bones
  • Headaches, stomach aches, sore throats
  • Coughs, ear infections, fever, colds, flu
  • Minor burns, lacerations which may require stitches or animal bites
  • Worker’s compensation injuries

Virtual Urgent Care can be used similarly to Urgent Care for minor illnesses and injuries that do not require a physical exam. If you would normally visit your primary care provider, want to avoid a trip or are traveling, Virtual Urgent Care might be an option. You’ll need your insurance card, photo ID and a list of current medications. Virtual Urgent Care may work for things like:

  • Headaches, skin irritations
  • Coughs, fever, colds, flu
  • Minor injuries that do not require stitches or X-ray for diagnosis

If you have a Virtual Urgent Care visit, the provider may determine that you need to be seen in person.

When someone in your family is sick, determining where to take them for medical care can be confusing. For a guide to help you decide, visit our Your Healthcare Options—Explained page.

For more information

Emergency Medicine
Winona Health, Hospital 1st floor
855 Mankato Avenue
Winona, MN 55987