24/7 Emergency Care. Our patients are first.
Most bites are minor. The problem is the few that canturn serious fast infection, allergic reaction, or venom.
Get emergency care right away if you have any of these after a bite or sting:
Trouble breathing, wheezing, throat tightness, or swelling of the face/lips/tongue (possible anaphylaxis)
Dizziness, fainting, weak/rapid pulse, or widespread hives
Uncontrolled bleeding or a wound that looks deep, gaping, or crushed (especially on the face, hand, or near a joint)
Bite from a wild/unknown animal, or you can’t confirm the animal is healthy and vaccinated (rabies risk needs urgent assessment)
Cat bite that breaks the skin (especially hand/finger bites — infection risk is high)
Human bite that breaks the skin (infection risk is higher than people think)
Snake bite — go to the ER unless the snake is positively identified as nonvenomous
Severe spider-bite symptoms like intense pain, spreading cramps, nausea/vomiting, sweating, or trouble breathing
Bring your child in now if:
Any breathing trouble, throat tightness, or facial swelling after a sting/bite
The bite is on the face, hand, or near a joint, or the wound is deep
They were bitten by a cat, wild animal, or another child and the skin is broken
Rapidly increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever (possible infection)
Snake bite or severe spider-bite symptoms
Animal bites (dog, cat, pet, wildlife)
Bites can cause more than a skin wound — they can injure deeper tissue and lead to infection. Cat bites and scratches are especially prone to infection, even when they look small.
You should be evaluated urgently if:
The bite is on the hand, face, foot, or near a joint
There are signs of infection (worsening redness/warmth/swelling, drainage, fever)
The animal is wild/feral/unknown, or you can’t confirm vaccination status (rabies risk assessment matters)
Human bites (including “kid bites” and fight bites)
Human mouths carry bacteria that can cause serious infection. Any human bite that breaks the skin should be checked — especially hand bites or knuckle injuries (“fight bites”).
Snake bites
If you’re bitten by a snake, seek emergency care unless the snake is positively identified as nonvenomous. Misidentification is common and risky.
What to do on the way: keep the person calm, limit movement, remove rings/tight items near the bite (swelling can worsen), and get to emergency care promptly.
Spider bites
Most spider bites stay mild, but some can cause systemic symptoms. Get evaluated urgently for severe pain, muscle cramping, nausea/vomiting, sweating, or trouble breathing.
Insect stings (bee/wasp/fire ant) and allergic reactions
The biggest emergency risk is anaphylaxis — it can happen quickly and may involve only one or two symptoms (like throat swelling or trouble breathing). Call 911 for severe reactions.
What we check and treat at Post Oak ER
Depending on the bite/sting, evaluation may include:
Wound assessment + cleaning and care
Checking tetanus status and deciding if vaccination/immune globulin is needed (depends on wound type + vaccine history)
Rabies exposure assessment and guidance on next steps if indicated (often involves public health coordination)
Imaging when needed (for deep injury, retained foreign material, or complications) with on-site CT / X-ray / ultrasound, plus on-site lab testing
If symptoms feel scary or are getting worse, don’t wait. Bites are one of those problems that can look “small” and still become serious.
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.