ER vs. doctor's office

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Specializes in Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy.

As a rule of thumb, when should a patient go to the ER as opposed to waiting to see a doctor? As much as the ER is abused by people coming in for things that could have been treated at home or by the PCP, there's also the flip side - people waiting to be seen by the dr. when they should have gone straight to the ER. My dh waited 2 days with severe stomach pain to see the dr, who sent him straight to the ER with a ruptured appendix. Then there are the assorted injuries, cuts, sprains etc that may be serious, maybe not. What are some general guidelines that you'd suggest?

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Specializes in LDRP.

I'd suggest asking your primary care doctor what htey suggest. Some can handle minor emergencies in office. some might not.

also, what about yoru insurance? for mine, unless death is a distinct immediate possibility, then you need to call doc on call for your pcp to get authorization to go to ed (or htey could suggest urgent care)

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If "severe" or "sudden" describes any of your symptoms, if you are having trouble breathing, or with your heart (including chest pain). If more blood than can be soaked up by a maxipad appears in less than half an hour from any part of your body, or if fainting or unconciousness has occured or a distinct possibility, go to the ER.

If you've had the same symptoms for more than two days without change, and they don't fall into any of the above categories, usually your own doc will do a better job.

If the convienence of the walk-in ER system is the main reason you are going, turn around.

If you are with a friend and thought "I should get myself checked out too."

If you had nothing better to do than to just see what the doc had to say about xyz...

If you have any thoughts of profit ($$$) as the result of the ER visit...get a job.

If you haven't bathed in the last week or so...

If your illness is a result of a chemical substance...

If you can't comprehend why you were here first, and yet they are taking that guy in right away....

If your idea of a satisfactory experience includes a meal and as many warm blankets as you can beg, borrow or steal (and double points if you fetch your own blanket out of the warmer)...

If you choose your ER visit times based on what will be on TV...

GO HOME

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Specializes in start in NICU 7/14/08.

If you choose your ER visit times based on what will be on TV...

GO HOME

I work in a Peds ED and sadly, during football season we are empty as can be when the Philadelphia Eagles are playing (apparently kids don't get sick - must be Eagles magic).

Halftime we may get a straggler or 2 and they are very rude and demanding and want to be in and out in an hour or less. Once the game is over...LOOKOUT!! It's actually a little humorous - I actually look at the football schedule so I know if I should bring my schoolwork with me. :)

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