Millions of Americans visit the emergency room (ER) for non-urgent care. ER, overuse happens because many patients are not aware or informed of other choices they have, such as an urgent care clinic.
π¨ Tip 1: Take Good Care of Your Health
Paying attention to your health can save you hundreds of dollars. Proper diet and regular exercise go a long way in preventing injuries or illnesses. In addition, regular physical exams and checkups at an urgent care facility can help you stay away from an ER.
π¨ Tip 2: Go to an Urgent Care Clinic
When you have a problem, do not wait too long to get medical care. If your problem is not life-threatening or risking disability, but you are concerned and you cannot see your provider soon enough, go to an urgent care clinic.
Here is the list of services Urgent Care provide: Link
π¨ Tip 3: When an ER Visit Is in Order
Understanding what a true medical emergency is and when the ER should be utilized is extremely important. βAn emergency is a serious medical condition or symptom (including severe pain) caused by an injury or sickness, or mental illness, which arises suddenly and requires immediate care and treatment to avoid disability or death.β β MD 1st Urgent Care Centre.
An ER visit is in order if you experience:
- Symptoms of a heart attack, such as chest pain lasting more than 2 minutes
- Symptoms of a stroke, such as numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
- Extreme shortness of breath
- Heavy bleeding that continues for over 10 minutes
- Poisoning
- Complicated fractures
- Head or major organ injuries
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Homicidal or suicidal feelings
π¨ Tip 4: If you are not Sure, Talk to Someone
If you are not sure what to do, and you don’t have one of the serious conditions listed above, call your provider. Describe your symptoms to the provider who answers your call, and find out what you should do.
Your provider or health insurance company may also offer a nurse telephone advice hotline. Call this number and tell the nurse your symptoms for advice on what to do.
Also Read: Useful Tips to Improve Your Next Urgent Care Visit