When to Go to the hospital

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When it comes to seeking proper healthcare, there are many options. Should you see your doctor? Visit the emergency room? Where do you go, who do you see, and when? Let’s dive in and break down what types of medical situations are appropriate for a doctor versus an emergency room visit.

Going to see your doctor or nurse practitioner is best for regular check-ups and when you have day-to-day health concerns, like:

• Congestion
• A sore throat
• An earache
• A persistent fever
• A minor burn
• You’ve fallen and can move your arm or leg, but it hurts and you suspect a sprain

The emergency room is for patients who have life-threatening concerns and need immediate care, like:

• Difficulty breathing
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Fever over 105 degrees
• Severe vomiting

It’s important to know the difference in options when it comes to healthcare. Emergency rooms, for example, can’t function efficiently if they are bogged down with patients who have minor concerns. So, when a need arises for medical attention, pause and think about your situation – is it really an emergency? Or, would a visit to your doctor or nurse practitioner be better?