The Ultimate Patient Care Guide for U.S. Urgent Care Centers and Emergency Rooms

INTRODUCTION This is one of the best decisions you have made about your health. You are on your way to making better medical decisions and truly becoming more informed about your health and health care. Two physicians created this guide to empower you to know the right questions to ask, have the right answers by the end of your visit and have the necessary information to navigate your visit with your healthcare provider in ER/UC/Hospital and in the outpatient setting after your discharge. You will become more knowledgeable about your health, how your doctors and care team approach illness and treatment and this will help ensure that you are informed and educated, thus enabling you to get the most out of your visit with your health care team. The topics we will focus on are the ones that are the most common reasons for why folks seek care in this setting, so it will be true for you. WHY WOULD PATIENTS/CAREGIVERS AND HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BENEFIT FROM READING THIS BOOK? It is a comprehensive resource offering practical advice and insights for individuals seeking medical care in emergency rooms and urgent care facilities across the United States. Our joint experiences have shaped our shared perspective and that is exactly why we felt very compelled to come up with this guide to give all patients invaluable information, tools and tips. Making sure our patients get the best care and health outcomes, and advocating for our patients every time has always been our mission. We will introduce the most common symptoms and medical diagnoses which take patients to these care settings, describe the associated symptoms present at the time and also what you can expect as far as the exams, labs, imaging studies that could be ordered. Tips are also given in each section to make sure you are getting the most out of each visit. Our hope is that you or your caregiver will use the medical information and Tips while still under the care of your health team. So, make sure to lean into that particular diagnosis that takes you to the ER or UC at the time of your visit. Below is a summary of tips that can be used when you arrive at the ER/UC and before you leave. Admission and Discharge Tips : 1.Checklist of personal items 2.Copy of ER labs or imaging studies 3.Online eportal website for facility 4.Time and location specific Discharge instructions 5.Screen shots 6.Short term Medication regimen 7.Be Honest about your history or circumstances 8.Case manager and Social Worker roles in ED/Hospital 9.Ancillary services such as Notary Public, Advanced directives 10.Placement Assistance 11.Repeat discharge instructions 12.Contact precautions 13. ER physician liason 14. Bounce backs ER VS URGENT CARE: HOW DO YOU DECIDE Deciding whether to go to the emergency room (ER) or an urgent care center can be difficult, especially if you are not feeling well. Here are some factors to consider when making this decision: Severity of the condition: If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, such as chest pain or difficulty breathing, you should go to the ER immediately. If your condition is not life-threatening but still requires prompt medical attention, an urgent care center may be a good option. Wait times: ERs are often busier and have longer wait times than urgent care centers. If you are experiencing a non-emergency condition and do not want to wait a long time to be seen, an urgent care center may be a better choice. Services offered: ERs are equipped to handle a wide range of medical conditions, including serious and life-threatening emergencies. Urgent care centers can also treat many medical conditions, but they may not have the same level of resources and capabilities as an ER. Cost: ERs are typically more expensive than urgent care centers. If you have a non-emergency condition and are concerned about the cost of care, an urgent care center may be a more affordable option. *Tip* Ultimately, the decision to go to the ER or an urgent care center will depend on the specific circumstances and the severity of your condition. If you are unsure which facility is best for your needs, it is a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider or call your insurance company for guidance. PREPARATION PRIOR TO ED OR URGENT CARE VISIT There are a few things you can do to prepare for your emergency room visit: 1. Make a list of your current medications, including the dosage and frequency. 2. Take a screenshot or write down names of medication bottles both prescribed and over the counter. 3. Write down your medical history, including any allergies and previous surgeries or hospitalizations. 4. Bring a family member or friend with you to the emergency room. They can help you communicate with the healthcare team and provide additional information about your health. 5. Bring your insurance information and identification. 6. If you have advanced directives, such as a living will or durable power of attorney for healthcare, bring copies with you. 7. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. You may need to change into a hospital gown. 8. If you have any medical records, test results or imaging studies (such as X-rays or CT scans), take a screenshot or bring copies with you. 9. Bring phone and phone charger with you, sometimes we use patients phones to find information about emergency contacts or next of Kin, when patients are in a dire situation or are nonverbal. *Tip* By taking these steps, you can help ensure that the healthcare team has all the necessary information to provide you with the best possible care. *Tip*: If this a life threatening emergency, then just call 911 or go to ED immediately, we can always find other means of getting the above. Tip: Take a screenshot of medication bottles as soon as you pick up from pharmacy and store in your photo album of phone. . WHEN TO CALL 911 AND WHEN TO DRIVE Who should call 911 and who