When It Hurts, Where Should You Go—Urgent Care or the ER? 

If you’re in Richmond or Katy, Texas, and something doesn’t feel right—maybe chest tightness, a high fever, a sprained ankle, or your child is suddenly sick—it can be hard to know whether you need an emergency room or if urgent care is the better option. 

At Urgent Care Plus & Wellness in Richmond, our mission is to take the confusion out of that decision. Led by Dr. Luke Afuwape, a board-certified emergency medicine physician with over 15 years of ER experience, we deliver emergency-level care in a calm, welcoming environment—without the long waits or overwhelming hospital bills. 

What’s the Difference Between the ER and Urgent Care? 

The emergency room is designed for life-threatening or severe emergencies, including: 

• Chest pain or signs of a heart attack 
• Stroke symptoms such as facial drooping or difficulty speaking 
• Serious breathing problems 
• Head trauma or major bleeding 
• Loss of consciousness 

Urgent care clinics like Urgent Care Plus & Wellness are ideal for non-life-threatening but immediate issues such as: 

• High fever, flu, or COVID symptoms 
• Cuts, burns, or lacerations 
• Nausea, vomiting, or dehydration 
• Sprains, minor fractures, or joint injuries 
• Infections including UTIs or strep throat 
• Mild allergic reactions 

According to UnitedHealth Group, more than 60 percent of ER visits are avoidable and could be effectively treated in an urgent care setting—saving patients an average of $1,800 per visit. Additionally, the average ER wait time nationwide is over 2.5 hours, compared to 30 minutes or less at most urgent care centers. These aren’t just time and cost savings—they’re stress reducers too. 

Why Richmond and Katy Families Trust Urgent Care Plus & Wellness 

After years working in high-volume emergency departments across Texas and Ohio, Dr. Luke founded Urgent Care Plus to give local families access to the same high-quality care he delivered in the hospital—but in a setting that feels more personal and affordable. 

He completed his Emergency Medicine Residency at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio, and has worked in trauma centers, freestanding ERs, and rural hospitals across multiple states. His clinical experience includes critical care, flight medicine, and supervising medical students and residents. He is also published in peer-reviewed medical journals, including a piece on traumatic brain injury in the Journal of the Missouri State Medical Association. 

“Every patient deserves to feel heard, respected, and empowered in their care,” says Dr. Luke Afuwape. “That’s why I created this practice—to bring hospital-level expertise into a community setting that feels safe, calm, and compassionate.” 

Our clinic on Bellaire Blvd proudly serves patients throughout Richmond, Katy, Aliana, Grand Mission, Mission Bend, and Cinco Ranch. 

Services Beyond the Standard 

What sets Urgent Care Plus & Wellness apart isn’t just the board-certified medical leadership—it’s the expanded range of services available right here in the neighborhood. 

We offer: 

• IV hydration therapy for dehydration, fatigue, migraines, and immune support 
• Testosterone replacement therapy for men experiencing low energy, libido, or strength 
• Ketamine infusions for depression, anxiety, and chronic pain 
• Medical weight loss programs supervised by a physician 
• USCIS immigration medical exams by a certified civil surgeon 

You don’t need an appointment—just walk in and be seen by a highly experienced emergency medicine doctor who takes the time to explain your care and answer your questions. 

The Right Care, The Right Time, The Right Place 

If you’re ever unsure whether to go to the ER or urgent care, start with us. We are fully equipped to treat a wide range of urgent conditions. If something more serious is identified, we’ll guide you through the next steps quickly and safely. 

At Urgent Care Plus & Wellness, we offer emergency-level care without the emergency room price. Whether you’re a parent in Katy, a busy professional in Aliana, or a retiree in Richmond, you’ll find expert care here without the long waits or sky-high bills.