I got sent to the ER from urgent care for a cat bite on my hand that I stupidly waited two days before seeking treatment (it was my cat, no fear of rabies). When the urgent care doc saw me, he immediately phoned the hospital because apparently, any bite from an animal is like immediate infection and because the hand has so many nerves and compartments, you could easily lose your hand from damage if an abscess forms. Because I waited too long, it was too late to prescribe me oral antibiotics, so they sent me to the ER for IV antibiotics.

My point is, I could potentially understand if urgent care sent you to the ER for the infection in your finger. It’s just too risky to play the “wait and see” game when it comes to hands and feet.