At some point in life, chances are you’ll be taking a trip to the emergency room (ER). Approximately 120 million Americans do every year and according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 24 percent of seniors aged 65 and older made at least one visit to the ER in 2010.
But how do you know if an illness or injury is a true medical emergency? How can you tell if what you or a loved one is experiencing is serious enough to merit a trip to the ER? While the answer is not always simple, knowing the different options for care and where to seek treatment could save your life in an emergency.
Is it time for the ER?
In events such as serious injuries or allergic reactions, the ER is the most appropriate place to go for care. Emergency rooms are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to address the urgent medical needs of you and your family. ERs are typically backed by the expertise and resources of a full service hospital that can provide a range of acute care services in an emergency. They are also in direct contact with ambulance providers and emergency services and are a vital link in a community’s first response network.
“Time is often the most important factor in a medical emergency,” said Dawn Riordan, M.D., ER Medical Director at College Station Medical Center. “If you believe your health or the health of a loved one is in jeopardy, it is always best to seek immediate treatment.”
But in some situations, it can be difficult to decide whether you need to make a trip to the ER. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is time to go to the ER:
- Persistent chest pain, especially if it radiates to your arm or jaw or is accompanied by sweating, vomiting, or shortness of breath
- Persistent shortness of breath or wheezing
- Severe pain, particularly in the abdomen or starting halfway down the back
- Loss of balance or fainting
- Difficulty speaking, altered mental status, or confusion
- Weakness or paralysis
- Severe heart palpitations
- Sudden, severe headache
- Sudden testicular pain and swelling
- Intestinal bleeding
- Falls with injury or while taking blood thinning medications
- Loss of vision
- Head and eye injuries
- Broken bones or dislocated joints
- Deep cuts that require stitches – especially on the face
- Head or eye injuries
- Severe flu or cold symptoms
- High fevers or fevers with rash
- Bleeding that won’t stop or a large open wound
- Repeated vomiting
- Serious burns
- Seizures without a previous diagnosis of epilepsy
Should I be concerned about ER wait times?
The ER uses a triage system to care for patients with the most urgent conditions first, rather than treating patients on a first-come, first-served basis. Patients with potentially life-threatening conditions such as chest pain, shortness of breath or sudden or unexplained loss of consciousness are treated immediately while someone with a minor cut or sore throat may have to wait longer.
“The average ER wait time in the United States is approximately 60 minutes, but reducing these times is of vital importance in improving patient care” said Dr. Riordan. “At College Station Medical Center, we strive to have a healthcare provider see each patient in 30 minutes or less.”
Urgent Care Clinics
Urgent care clinics are intended to provide treatment for less serious conditions after regular office hours or when your primary care physician is not available. These clinics often feature extended hours and do not require a scheduled appointment. Since this is a lower level of care than a hospital ER, your co-pay or co-insurance for an urgent care visit will often be lower than an ER visit. Common symptoms that can be treated at an urgent care facility include:
- Fever without rash
- Minor trauma such as a common sprain
- Painful urination
- Persistent diarrhea
- Severe sore throat
- Vomiting
Primary Care Physicians
A primary care physician (PCP) is your main health care provider for non-emergency care. These physicians have an established and ongoing relationship with their patients that provide them with in-depth knowledge about you and your health history, family background, past injuries or illnesses, allergies and risk factors for certain diseases. This is often a family medicine physician or internist that plays a key role in monitoring your health, diagnosing and treating medical problems, and facilitating care with other physician specialists as needed.
“Building a relationship with a PCP is one of the most important steps you can take for your health,” said Brian Goerig, M.D., family medicine physician at College Station
MedPlus. “By having a good understanding of your health history and medical conditions over time, we are able to play a more proactive role in maintaining your health in the long run.”
Many primary care clinics, such as College Station MedPlus, also offer walk-in appointments and extended hours for more urgent medical needs.
Ready to Go
Most trips to the ER or Urgent Care Clinic are not planned. Keep the following essential information on hand to help during your trip:
- List of medications. For every person in your family, have a written record of daily medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and any vitamins or supplements. Make sure the dosage and directions are included.
- Pre-existing illnesses and allergies. The medical staff needs to know if you or a loved one has diabetes, high blood pressure or any other chronic illnesses that could complicate treatment, as well as any food or drug allergies that could cause life threatening reactions.
- Your doctor’s phone number and address. If you need follow-up care, having this information handy will make communication between the ER and your doctor’s office easier.
For more information or to find a physician near you, visit CSMedCenter.com and click on the “Find a Doctor” tool.
by Ariel Rosentswieg