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Hospital emergency rooms (ERs) are set up to focus on medical emergencies. They are not set up to focus on routine health care. If you go to the ER for a problem that is not an emergency:
Go to the ER if you think you are having a medical emergency. That's what the ER is for. Otherwise, call your doctor's office first, or go to a walk-in clinic. It will save you money and time.
There are few clear rules about what is an emergency and what isn't. Most doctors would agree on a short list of problems that should always be treated as emergencies-chest pain that could be a heart attack, not being able to breathe, severe and uncontrolled bleeding, stroke symptoms, and a few others.
Most health problems are not emergencies. You may want to take care of the problem right away because you feel sick or uncomfortable, but nothing bad is going to happen to you if you wait a bit. Then again, you don't always know that for sure. Some problems that seem minor can become serious if you ignore them. And it may be even harder to know what to do when a child is sick.
One good question to ask yourself is,
"Am I thinking about going to the ER because it's convenient or because it's necessary?"
If you are choosing the ER because you can get in without an appointment, keep
in mind the high price you will pay for that convenience. You may also have to
wait a long time before you are seen by a doctor. And you may have other
options. You can always call your doctor's office or a nurse line for help.
If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911 or other emergency services immediately or go to the ER.
If you don't think the problem is an emergency:
Walk-in clinics are often called "minor emergency," "urgent care," or "immediate care" centers. They deal with all kinds of health problems and are often open in the evenings and on weekends. You do not need an appointment.
These types of clinics can be a great option when:
Care at a walk-in clinic costs a lot less than care for the same problem at an ER.
If it turns out you are having a true medical emergency, a walk-in clinic will send you to the ER.
Unless you have a walk-in clinic in your neighborhood or already know where one is, it may be hard to find one when you need it. So, at your next doctor visit, ask your doctor to recommend one. Check with your health plan to see if it offers better coverage at some clinics than others.