- Ronnie Shalev, MD
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