When Do You Need to Go to the Emergency Room?
Emergency rooms usually are busy places. They handle
the most severe problems first. Using the emergency
room only when you need to can help you avoid long,
unnecessary waits.
Here are some tips to help you know when to go to the emergency room or when to receive another type of care.
Checking In with Your Regular Doctor
Whenever possible, make your primary care provider your first choice, especially when you need treatment for chronic conditions or preventive care like immunizations and checkups. This helps you build a relationship with your doctor, which can lead to better care during future visits. If you don’t have a primary care provider, choose someone whose office is open during times that are convenient for you.Understanding Urgent Care
Urgent care facilities may be an option if you need to be seen for an acute illness and are out of town or your doctor’s office is closed. Urgent care centers can treat problems such as:- Minor cuts that require stitches
- Minor fractures
- Animal bites
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Rashes
Urgent care centers usually are open nights and throughout the weekends, which makes them convenient. You can browse a complete list of urgent care clinics within the Dean Health Plan network at www.deancare.com.
When Timing Is Everything: Emergency Care
Some symptoms can’t wait for treatment and they need immediate care. According to the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), these include:- Difficulty breathing
- Fainting
- Chest pain or pressure
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Sudden or severe pain
- Poisoning
- Major injuries, such as broken bones
- Sudden facial drooping or weakness in an arm or leg
When should you call 911? The ACEP recommends dialing 911 if you think a health problem is life-threatening or if it could get worse on the way to the hospital. Examples include chest pain or severe bleeding. These guidelines will help you make the best decision to ensure you receive the most effective care.
Health Advice When You Need It: Dean On Call
Dean On Call* is a complimentary telephone service that’s available to members 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you’re not sure if you need to see a doctor or you have a pressing health question, Dean On Call can help. Experienced and registered nurses at Dean On Call are always available to answer your questions and concerns.After asking a series of questions, the nurse will assist you in making an informed decision about your health concern. To provide you the best options for care, Dean On Call nurses use a specially designed computer program that follows guidelines developed by physicians and nurses. The databases are continually updated with the most current medical information, which enables the nurse to ask the right questions and quickly provide the most appropriate options of care. This will help you decide whether to call your doctor, follow self-care instructions or be seen in an urgent care or the emergency room.
The Dean On Call nurses follow the same state and federal HIPAA privacy guidelines that your doctor is required to follow. Any information you share with Dean On Call is confidential. Take advantage of Dean On Call by calling 800-57-NURSE (800-576-8773).
* Due to licensing regulations, Dean On Call’s triage services are only available to residents of Wisconsin.
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