My City December 2022

PRIMARY CARE VS . ER VS. URGENT CARE

If you’ve ever wondered where to go for medical treatment, you’re not alone.With the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, the beginning of the flu and cold season, and pediatric respiratory illnesses, choosing between your primary care provider, the ER and an urgent care clinic can be challenging. If you have mild symptoms of illness, such as a temperature below 101 degrees, aches and pains, a mild cough, etc. that could be caused by the flu or COVID-19 and you feel you need to be seen by a doctor, calling your primary care physician is your best option.

If it’s after hours or you need more immediate care, then you may want to visit an urgent care clinic. For even more severe symptoms, the emergency room offers a higher level of care. Remember: when choosing between the ER and urgent care, it is important to trust your instincts and err on the side of caution. Assessing the seriousness of your symptoms can prevent overwhelming an ER with mild illnesses or injuries that could be managed elsewhere, and also help you choose the care option that best fits your needs.

ADVERTORIAL

When to Go to the Emergency Room

When to Go to Urgent Care Urgent care clinics are the appropriate option when you can’t wait to see your primary care provider, but your symptoms are not severe enough for the ER. Hurley Urgent Care facilities are open every day, have far shorter wait times than the ER and cost less than a traditional ER visit. Hurley Urgent Care clinics offer same-day treatment for minor illnesses and health care needs for both adults and children. They’re also ideal for needs outside of normal business hours (9 to 5) as most are open until 10pm on weekdays and from 10am - 6pm on weekends. What to Expect at Hurley Urgent Care After checking in at the reception desk, you’ll sit in the waiting room until you are called to an exam room. Shortly after a medical assistant talks to you about your symptoms and takes your vitals, a provider will come to diagnose and determine the best treatment option. If the urgent care provider thinks you need a higher level of care, they will get you to the ER.

Symptoms best evaluated at an urgent care include: • Abdominal Pain, Upset Stomach or Vomiting • Acid Reflux & GERD • Allergies, Bronchitis, Sinus Pain & Infections • Bladder Infection, Painful Urination • Colds, Sore Throat, Cough or Congestion • Constipation or Persistent Diarrhea • Dehydration

Certain medical conditions are considered emergencies because they require rapid or advanced treatment, including surgery, that are only available in a hospital setting.When faced with a life threatening situation, always call 911. What to Expect at Hurley Emergency Room When you arrive in the ER, you’ll be right in front of the check-in station and the waiting room. Once checked in, your condition will be assessed by a triage nurse, from 1 (most life-threatening) to 5 (least life-threatening).The emergency department then prioritizes those that require rapid care. After seeing the triage nurse, most patients will return to the waiting room to wait for an exam room. While all patients are important and will be seen, Hurley is a Level 1 Trauma Center.This means a constant influx of critical patients, which could result in extended waits for non-critical patients.

• Ear Infections & Pain • Non-complex Stitching • Fevers without Rash • Mild Flu-Like Symptoms • Minor Burns • Minor Cuts Requiring Stitches

• Pink Eye, Eye Redness, Discharge or Itchiness • Pulled Muscles, Sprains, Strains or Tendonitis • Rashes without Fever • Skin Disorders, Bug Bites or Stings

• Sexually Transmitted Infections • Severe Toothache or Abscess • Wheezing or Shortness of Breath • Workplace Injuries

Who Goes First in the Emergency Room?

1 - MOST URGENT Heart Attack Stroke Severe Bleeding Poisoning Head Trauma Spine Trauma

2 - VERY URGENT

3 - URGENT

4 - LESS URGENT Stitches Strains/sprains

5 - NOT URGENT Cough Congestion Eye Infection Rashes Ear Infection

Severe Fractures Severe Allergic Reaction Fever above 104 Serious Burn

Seizure Fainting Head Injury Broken Bones

Falls with minor injury Urinary Tract Infections