Publication

Your kid falls down the steps. Or the knife slips while you're chopping vegetables. Or your chest suddenly hurts. What do you do? When you need immediate medical care, you must choose among the emergency room, Rapid Care or your primary care provider's office. But when the unexpected happens, it can be hard to decide. Here's how to make the call.

Rapid Care

Rapid Care clinics, sometimes called urgent care or walk-in clinics, aren't a substitute for emergency care. Rapid Care can be a good place to go when your regular provider's office is closed—such as during nights, weekends or holidays—or you just can't get in for an appointment in a timely matter.

Head to Rapid Care with these and other minor issues when you can't see your usual provider:

• Minor cuts and burns.
• Sprains and strains.
• Rashes.
• Vomiting and diarrhea.
• Back pain.
• Urinary tract infections.
• Cold and flu symptoms.
• Headaches.
• Upset stomach.
• Pink eye.
• Earaches.

Emergency Department (ED)

Emergency departments, also known as emergency rooms, are part of hospitals. They offer the special equipment and highly trained providers that emergencies require.

"Emergency rooms are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and they are required by law to treat anyone who comes in," says Vincent Ball, MD, Emergency Department Director.

Call 911 or head to the ED if you experience any of these emergencies:

• Chest pain.
• Severe bleeding.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Facial drooping or weakness in a leg or an arm.
• Head trauma.
• Sudden confusion.
• Severe abdominal pain.

Primary Care

If the care you need is not an emergency and your doctor's office is open, consider going to your primary care provider (PCP). There's trust and a relationship between patient and doctor, even if you've only met a few times. Plus, they have your medical records on file and know your health history.

A PCP can treat the same problems that an urgent care handles—if an appointment is available.

Categories: Medical Care