When should I go to the Emergency Department?
Deciding whether or not to go to an Emergency Room can be a life-or-death decision, so let’s begin here. Call 911 immediately if you are experiencing:
- Signs of heart attack or stroke
- If you have a severe head injury
- Severe bleeding
- A life-threatening allergy
- Suffering from a drug overdose
A fast medical response in a true emergency is the patient’s best chance for survival. Calling 911 allows Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics to begin life-saving care before the patient arrives at the Emergency Department (ED).
“Our paramedics are literally an extension of our Emergency Department, and they will relay your condition to the hospital, so we’ll be ready to treat you when you arrive,” said Craig Mittleman, MD, regional medical director of Emergency Services for Lawrence + Memorial Hospital and Westerly Hospital. “If your gut tells you something is serious, put aside your hesitation and make the call to 911.”
To identify a potential stroke, follow the acronym BE FAST, and know the signs of heart attack.
Some of the other reasons to go to an ED can include burns, head or eye injuries, concussions, broken bones, dislocated joints and vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.
Patients with non-life-threatening conditions are encouraged to visit Yale New Haven Health before heading to the Emergency Department to get an estimated wait time at all ED locations. There is also an “On my way” feature at some locations that allows patients to notify that ED that you are enroute, although patients are still triaged based on the severity of their conditions.
With that in mind, those with non-life-threatening conditions may be able to seek care faster by visiting an Urgent Care location. Keep in mind, for example, that the Yale New Haven Department of Adult Emergency Medicine is one of the busiest and largest in the United States, and “it serves as the safety net of our local communities and across much of the state of Connecticut,” said Arjun Venkatesh, MD, chief, Emergency Medicine, YNHH, and chair, Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine.
“We embrace the responsibility that comes with providing care to those most critically in need,” Dr. Venkatesh continued. “To better serve those patients, we have built out a robust network of urgent care centers affiliated with our health system that we encourage patients and families to consider using as a more convenient and accessible alternative to the ED. This way, the most critically ill and injured can be seen as expeditiously as possible in the ED, and patients with less serious health concerns can receive high quality care as quickly as possible in our urgent care centers.”
When should I go to Urgent Care?
Urgent Care is an outstanding option for many patients. Symptoms that can be appropriately evaluated and treated at an Urgent Care facility include:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Flu-like symptoms
- Sprains and strains
- Small cuts possibly requiring stitches
Patients can visit Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care to find locations, book an appointment (although walk-ins are always welcome) and even schedule a Virtual Care visit when appropriate .
“Urgent care is an ideal option for many patients because we fill the critical gap between emergency rooms and primary care,” said Jeannie Kenkare, DO, FCUCM, president, Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care. “We offer fast, reliable care for a wide range of non-life-threatening conditions, without the long wait times or high costs of the Emergency Department. Urgent care is a smart choice when a visit to your primary care provider feels too slow, but a trip to the ED isn’t necessary.”
Furthermore, “Our urgent care centers are supported by the expertise and resources of the region’s leading healthcare system and are seamlessly integrated with its electronic medical records to ensure continuous care throughout the patient's healthcare journey,” Dr. Kenkare noted.
When to see my primary care provider?
If it’s not an emergency and it’s not urgent, patients should make an appointment with their primary care provider to address any other health conditions or concerns. Patients who have medical records with Yale New Haven Health can easily schedule appointments through MyChart.
For people who may not have a healthcare provider, you can Find a Clinician on the YNHHS website. For example, someone looking for a primary care provider can enter a search for “primary care” and then filter the search to show only doctors who are currently taking new patients or providers in a specific region or location. Once you find an appropriate provider, you can call or book an appointment right on the website. Many providers are also listed with Yale New Haven Health’s medical group, Northeast Medical Group.
Do I need to see a doctor if I’m feeling healthy?
Finally, in any individual’s healthcare journey, it’s important to be proactive in managing and monitoring your health, especially as we age. One of the best ways to avoid that trip to the ED for chest pains or stroke symptoms is to take care of yourself while you’re healthy, and the best way to do that is to make an appointment with a healthcare provider who can provide guidance.
During any basic check-up, patients can expect to have a routine workup that will include checking vital signs, weight, and ordering blood work to check your cholesterol and other key health markers in the blood that can identify potential issues such as kidney disease, diabetes and even some cancers. It’s important to remember that, if a health concern is detected, it’s best that you’re catching it early, as most diseases and conditions are easier to treat, manage or cure if caught early.
A primary care provider can also encourage patients with tips on appropriate exercise, diet and other lifestyle changes that can promote overall wellness.
“Making an appointment can be a first step toward a healthier and happier life for many years to come,” said Colin Burns, APRN, a primary care provider with Yale New Haven Health in Westerly, RI. “It's great to confirm that a person's blood work is normal, but it's also rewarding when catching minor abnormalities before symptoms arise. A healthier life begins by making simple adjustments, all by being proactive in managing your health."
