How to Get Treated Faster and Better at the ER
Just read this article about things that one can do to get treated faster and better at the Emergency Room via a link from ER Stories.
Read the full article here.
"We have people who've called an ambulance for earwax impaction or prescription refills," says one ER physician, who writes a blog called ER Stories. "When they come in by ambulance, they go right into the waiting room."
Here are some things you can do to be treated faster and better:
Avoid nights, weekends and holidays: Face it folks, doctors take time off, too, and you'll be seen more quickly if you show up at 10 a.m. on a weekday rather than 10 p.m. on Saturday night -- after there's been a series of car wrecks. "Even if it happens to be less busy on a night or weekend, the staffing is lower," the ER doc in the northeast says. "There may only be five people ahead of you, but it will take a while to get seen." Holidays are also a bad time to go, as is the day right after, as hospital staff may extend their vacations. True emergencies, of course, give little advance warning. But if you have an inkling your bandaged finger, say, may need stitches, best head to the ER as soon as possible, rather than waiting until after work when you'll have plenty of company.
Call your regular doctor before you go: If you let your primary care physician know you're heading to the hospital, he or she may be able to call ahead and alert the staff. Often, the ER department may even be able to hold a bed for you if your doctor requests it.
Bring a list of your medications: Certain drug allergies or interactions can harm or even kill you. To begin treatment, doctors will ideally need to find out about all the medications you're taking.
Have your medical records and tests handy: Another major slowdown for doctors in the ER can come from having to order medical records and tests from other hospitals or departments to get the full picture of your condition.
Make sure your hospital treats what's ailing you: Knowing ahead of time whether the ER to which you're heading actually has the right staff and resources to treat your problem will save you time.
Try to be understanding: The reality of the ER is that unless you're dying, you're going to be treated after someone who is in much worse shape.
Bring somebody with you: It's likely that when you go to the ER, you won't exactly be feeling your best. It's always a good idea to bring somebody with you -- a spouse, perhaps, or a trusted friend -- who can help answer questions about your condition and recall any information the medical team gives.
Avoid the ER altogether: If you're suffering from an urgent -- but minor -- problem like a cut, ear infection, flu or animal bite, you may be able to go to an urgent care center instead of a hospital ER. Typically, patients are seen more quickly at urgent care centers.
Keeping these tips handy may make the mess a little more bearable.
See full article from DailyFinance: http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/emergency-room-docs-give-the-inside-scoop-how-to-get-treated-fa/19177443/?icid=sphere_copyright
Read the full article here.
Emergency-room docs offer inside scoop: How to get treated faster, better
by Eric Wahlgren"We have people who've called an ambulance for earwax impaction or prescription refills," says one ER physician, who writes a blog called ER Stories. "When they come in by ambulance, they go right into the waiting room."
Here are some things you can do to be treated faster and better:
Avoid nights, weekends and holidays: Face it folks, doctors take time off, too, and you'll be seen more quickly if you show up at 10 a.m. on a weekday rather than 10 p.m. on Saturday night -- after there's been a series of car wrecks. "Even if it happens to be less busy on a night or weekend, the staffing is lower," the ER doc in the northeast says. "There may only be five people ahead of you, but it will take a while to get seen." Holidays are also a bad time to go, as is the day right after, as hospital staff may extend their vacations. True emergencies, of course, give little advance warning. But if you have an inkling your bandaged finger, say, may need stitches, best head to the ER as soon as possible, rather than waiting until after work when you'll have plenty of company.
Call your regular doctor before you go: If you let your primary care physician know you're heading to the hospital, he or she may be able to call ahead and alert the staff. Often, the ER department may even be able to hold a bed for you if your doctor requests it.
Bring a list of your medications: Certain drug allergies or interactions can harm or even kill you. To begin treatment, doctors will ideally need to find out about all the medications you're taking.
Have your medical records and tests handy: Another major slowdown for doctors in the ER can come from having to order medical records and tests from other hospitals or departments to get the full picture of your condition.
Make sure your hospital treats what's ailing you: Knowing ahead of time whether the ER to which you're heading actually has the right staff and resources to treat your problem will save you time.
Try to be understanding: The reality of the ER is that unless you're dying, you're going to be treated after someone who is in much worse shape.
Bring somebody with you: It's likely that when you go to the ER, you won't exactly be feeling your best. It's always a good idea to bring somebody with you -- a spouse, perhaps, or a trusted friend -- who can help answer questions about your condition and recall any information the medical team gives.
Avoid the ER altogether: If you're suffering from an urgent -- but minor -- problem like a cut, ear infection, flu or animal bite, you may be able to go to an urgent care center instead of a hospital ER. Typically, patients are seen more quickly at urgent care centers.
Keeping these tips handy may make the mess a little more bearable.
See full article from DailyFinance: http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/emergency-room-docs-give-the-inside-scoop-how-to-get-treated-fa/19177443/?icid=sphere_copyright
Labels: health
posted by Jiru at
10:45 AM
