24/7 Emergency Care. Our patients are first.
Most cuts look worse than they are. The question is simple: Will it stop bleeding and heal safely on its own — or does it need urgent repair? If you’re unsure, it’s appropriate to get checked.
Go to the ER right away if the cut/injury:
Won’t stop bleeding after 10–15 minutes of firm, direct pressure
Is deep, gaping, or the edges won’t stay closed (may need stitches/glue)
Is on the face, eye/eyelid, lip, genitals, or across a joint (higher risk for scarring or function problems)
Was caused by a dirty/rusty object, animal/human bite, or puncture (infection/tetanus risk)
Has numbness, weakness, trouble moving a finger/toe, or you see fat, tendon, or bone
Has something stuck inside (glass/wood/metal) or you suspect a retained foreign body
Follows a major injury (fall, car accident) or you feel faint, pale, or confused
Call 911 for uncontrolled bleeding, signs of shock, or major trauma.
Kids get scrapes constantly — that’s normal. What’s not normal is a cut that can’t be safely cleaned/closed at home.
Bring your child to the ER now if:
Bleeding won’t stop after 10–15 minutes of pressure
The cut is deep, wide open, or on the face
The wound is from a bite, puncture, or contaminated object
Your child can’t move the area normally, has numbness, or the wound looks “too deep to judge”
What to do first (safe first-aid steps)
Rinse with clean running water to remove dirt and debris.
Apply firm, direct pressure with clean gauze/cloth for 10–15 minutes without checking every few seconds.
If bleeding slows/stops, cover with a clean bandage and monitor.
If bleeding doesn’t stop, the wound keeps reopening, or it looks deep—come in.
Cuts often need closure when they:
are deep or gaping
are in areas where scarring matters (especially face)
are under tension (hands, joints)
keep reopening
Timing matters too—earlier evaluation is generally better for closure decisions, especially for facial wounds.
Tetanus prevention depends on the wound and your vaccine history. The CDC guidance is clear:
If you completed your tetanus series and your last tetanus shot was <5 years ago, you typically don’t need another shot (regardless of wound type).
If it’s a clean, minor wound and your last shot was 10+ years ago, a booster is recommended.
If it’s a dirty/contaminated wound and your last shot was 5+ years ago, a booster is recommended.
If you’re unvaccinated, not fully vaccinated, or your status is unknown, you may need vaccination and sometimes additional treatment depending on the wound.
ER or urgent care?
Choose the ER for uncontrolled bleeding, deep/gaping facial wounds, bites/punctures, numbness or movement problems, suspected foreign body, or injury involving the eye/major trauma.
Urgent care can be reasonable for minor cuts that stop bleeding, are clean, and don’t involve high-risk locations or function issues.
If you’re unsure, ER evaluation is appropriate—especially for kids and facial wounds.
What Post Oak ER can do for cuts & injuries (Houston)
At Post Oak ER, we can:
Stop bleeding and evaluate depth and tissue damage
Clean/irrigate wounds and close with stitches or tissue adhesive when appropriate
Assess for infection risk, bites, and tetanus needs
Use on-site X-ray/CT/ultrasound when clinically needed (for foreign bodies, deeper injury, or associated trauma)
Provide IV treatments for pain control, dehydration, or more significant injuries when appropriate
Treat children and adults, 24/7 — no appointment needed
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.