24/7 Emergency Care. Our patients are first.
If your stomach pain feels severe, unusual, or “not right,” don’t wait it out. Trust your instincts and get checked.
Go to the ER right away if abdominal pain is:
Severe, sudden, or worsening
So strong you can’t stand up straight, walk normally, eat, or drink
With a hard/rigid belly or significant tenderness to touch
Spreading to your back, shoulder, or chest
Also go now if pain comes with:
Fever or you look/feel seriously ill
Vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Black, tarry stools or blood in stool
Chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, or unusual weakness (upper abdominal pain can sometimes be heart-related)
Fainting, confusion, severe dizziness, or signs of dehydration (very dry mouth, minimal urination, can’t keep fluids down)
Higher-risk situations where you should not “wait and see”:
Pregnant or might be pregnant
Recent abdominal surgery or procedure
Pain after an accident or blow to the abdomen
Age 45+ with new upper abdominal pain, especially with nausea, sweating, or chest symptoms
Most kids get stomach aches that pass. But urgent evaluation matters when pain is intense or comes with red-flags.
Bring your child to the ER now if they have abdominal pain plus:
Severe pain or pain that keeps getting worse
Inconsolable crying or the child can’t be comforted
A very tender belly, a hard/distended belly, or pain that spreads to the back
Repeated vomiting, can’t keep liquids down, or signs of dehydration
Blood in vomit or stool, or black/tarry stools
New/high fever
Fainting, seizure, extreme sleepiness, or difficulty waking
Why abdominal pain can be serious
Abdominal pain is common—but certain patterns can signal problems that need urgent treatment (like appendicitis, gallbladder disease, kidney stones, bowel obstruction, internal bleeding, severe infection, or pregnancy-related emergencies). If the pain is severe, sudden, or paired with warning signs, the safest move is immediate evaluation.
“ER or urgent care?”
Choose the ER for severe/sudden pain, significant tenderness, fever with worsening pain, bleeding, fainting, chest symptoms, or pregnancy concerns.
Consider urgent care/primary care only if pain is mild, improving, and there are no red-flags—especially if you can drink fluids and function normally. If you’re unsure, it’s appropriate to choose ER care.
At Post Oak ER, our team can evaluate abdominal pain quickly with on-site CT, X-ray, ultrasound, and labs—often the exact tools needed to rule out dangerous causes and start treatment fast.
Depending on your symptoms, care may include:
Vital signs + focused exam
Lab testing (infection, dehydration, anemia, etc.)
Imaging (CT / ultrasound / X-ray) when appropriate
IV fluids and IV medications for dehydration, nausea, pain control
Escalation for cardiac concerns if upper abdominal pain could be heart-related
Support for trauma-related abdominal complaints
If this feels like the kind of pain you’d regret ignoring, come in now. Abdominal emergencies don’t always start with dramatic symptoms—and early evaluation is often what prevents complications.
Whether you’re in Westchase, Midtown, or the Heights, getting to Post Oak ER is simple. We’re centrally located near major Houston routes like I‑610 and San Felipe — just a short drive from Memorial Park and River Oaks. Many patients reach us via Westheimer or Woodway Dr., depending on their neighborhood.
We accept most major insurance plans and also welcome self-pay patients with transparent, upfront pricing. Many Memorial-area patients visit us using Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Molina, and United Healthcare.
Yes. We’re open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our freestanding ER model is designed to minimize or eliminate wait times so you’re seen fast.
No. Walk in anytime. If it’s an emergency, come straight in or call ahead and we’ll be ready: 832-581-2277.
5018 San Felipe St, Houston, TX 77056 — near The Galleria/Uptown. Free, convenient parking right by the entrance.
Yes. Our board-certified emergency physicians care for all ages, including pediatric emergencies.
Chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache/migraine, abdominal pain, injuries and fractures, cuts requiring stitches, high fever, dehydration, allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and more. If you believe it’s life-threatening, call 911.
Yes. We offer on-site CT scans, digital X-rays, and a full laboratory, so most tests and results are done during your visit.
Absolutely. We routinely see patients from Uptown, The Galleria, River Oaks, Tanglewood, and Memorial.
A photo ID, insurance card (if available), a list of medications/allergies, and any recent medical records you have.
We accept most major private insurance plans. Coverage varies by plan; our team will help verify benefits and discuss any out-of-pocket costs. Questions? Call 832-581-2277.
Urgent care handles minor illnesses/injuries. ERs have advanced imaging, lab, medications, and emergency physicians for time-sensitive or severe conditions (e.g., chest pain, severe abdominal pain, serious injury, difficulty breathing).
Yes. If inpatient care or surgery is required, we coordinate a direct transfer to the appropriate hospital.
Times vary by condition and testing, but our no-wait intake and on-site diagnostics help you get answers and treatment as quickly as possible.