Should I Go to the ER?

As an emergency medicine physician, I oftentimes take care of patients that come to the ER inappropriately for non-emergency reasons. In fact, studies have found that at least 30% of all ED visits in the US are non-urgent. To the average person that is mind blowing!

So why did these patients seek emergency care?

• Convenience- Patients want 24/7 on-demand access to care

• Inability to get a primary care appointment

• Non-Physician staff referrals

If you go to an ER, your bill could be more than $5000...you should make sure the ER visit was medically necessary!

REASONS TO GO TO AN ER:

• Chest pain lasting more than 2 minutes

• Uncontrolled Bleeding

• Sudden Severe Pain

• Persistent Vomiting and/or Diarrhea

• Sudden Dizziness

• Vomiting/Coughing up Blood

• Trouble Breathing

• Major Trauma

• Serious Burns

• Confusion/Lethargy

• Severe Allergic Reactions (with facial or throat swelling, trouble breathing)

• Loss of Consciousness

• Weakness/ Trouble Speaking