Emergency room visits are sudden, stressful and often you are in physical pain. The next time you visit the emergency room, help your staff provide you the best care possible. By following these doctor-approved guidelines, you can improve your experience at your next emergency room visit.
1. Don’t Worry…They’ve Seen It Before
No matter how strange or embarrassing your symptoms may be, your ER medical staff has probably see it before, more than once. If something is bothering you, address it with your doctor. Your doctor must understand all of your symptoms to effectively treat your condition. Your physician wants you to feel comfortable and will treat the information you provide with the highest level of discretion.
2. Knowing Your Current Medications & Allergies is Crucial to Successful Treatment
When you visit the emergency room, be prepared with information about any medications you take on a regular basis, whether prescribed or over the counter. You can prepare in advance by keeping this information in your smartphone or on a card in your wallet. If you’re experiencing a medical emergency and need treatment now, grab your medication bottles on the way out the door. Your medication name and dosage appear on the bottle. The label will also include your prescribing physician’s as well as your pharmacy’s contact information.
It’s just as important for you to be prepared with any allergies you may have.
Sharing this information with your doctor allows you to avoid being given medications to which you may have an allergy. It also ensures you are not exposed to medical equipment, other supplies or foods which may cause an allergic reaction.
3. Understand Your Treatment May Not End With Your Emergency Room Visit
Depending on your medical situation, your ER doctor may admit you to a hospital or refer you to a physician for follow up. If you require hospital admission, your emergency room doctor will share your patient history and treatment information with the hospital staff. If you require surgery, they will consult with the surgeon who will be performing your procedure.
If your doctor recommends you follow up with a physician, it’s crucial you follow through.
The treatment you receive in the emergency room is meant to treat and stabilize your condition. Additional treatment may be necessary for a complete and healthy recovery.
4. Ask Questions About Discharge Instructions If Needed
In order for you to follow through with your ER doctor’s treatment plan, it’s important that you understand the discharge instructions. Your ER physician or nurse will be happy to answer any questions you may about what steps to take once you’re at home.
Everyone involved in your ER visits wants to ensure you have a quick and speedy recovery.
If you realize you have a question after you leave the Emergency Room, don’t hesitate to call and ask your questions to their staff.
