HURLEY HEALTHY LIVING SERIES

primary care, urgent care, or emergency room

During a recent Hurley Health Living Series live broadcast, Emergency & Trauma Services Administrator, John Stewart discussed how to determine where to go and what to expect.

PRIMARY CARE

If you are experiencing mild symptoms such as a temperature below 101 degrees, aches and pains, a mild cough, etc., that could be caused by the flu or COVID-19.

Many primary care physicians are now offering virtual visits and can assess patients by a phone or video call fairly quickly.

URGENT CARE

To receive more immediate or after hours care for injuries or illness that are not life-threatening but can’t wait for an appointment with your doctor, try an urgent care. Urgent cares typically have far shorter wait times than the ER, and costs much less than a traditional hospital emergency room visit.

Examples of when to visit Urgent Care: • Abdominal pain, upset stomach, or vomiting • Acid reflux and GERD • Allergies, bronchitis, sinus pain, and infections • Bladder infection, painful urination • Colds, sore throat, cough, or congestion • Constipation or persistent diarrhea • Dehydration • Ear infections and pain • Fevers without rash or rashes without fever • Mild flu-like symptoms • Minor burns • Minor cuts requiring stitches • Pink eye, eye redness, discharge, or itchiness • Pulled muscles, sprains, strains, or tendonitis • Sexually Transmitted Infections • Severe toothache or abscess • Some wheezing or shortness of breath • Workplace injuries

EMERGENCY ROOM

For certain medical emergencies such as a heart attack or stroke, calling 911 is always the right decision. This enables paramedics to begin lifesaving treatment in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. Below are some guidelines to help you decide between Urgent Care and the ER.

Examples of when to visit the Emergency Room: • Asthma attack or severe shortness of breath • Broken bones protruding through skin and dislocated joints • Coughing or vomiting up blood • Facial lacerations or those requiring stitches • Fever with a rash • Head injury • Loss of consciousness • Paralysis • Poisoning • Serious burns, cuts, or bleeding • Severe allergic reactions – swelling lips, difficulty swallowing or breathing • Signs of stroke – weakness or numbness on one side, slurred speech • Sudden and severe headache • Suicidal or homicidal feelings • Vaginal bleeding or severe abdominal paid with pregnancy • Signs of heart attack - including chest pain

primary care, urgent care, or emergency room