With so many medical treatment options available today, it can be difficult to know where to go when you are experiencing a medical concern. Should you wait until your primary physician?s office opens in the morning? What if they cannot fit you in or it is the weekend? Should you rush to the local emergency room? Do you need to wait until you can see your preferred medical specialist? What about the local urgent care centers? These are many of the most common medical care treatment questions.
Cold and flu symptoms
In most cases, regular cold and flu systems are not considered an emergency. However, it is important to remember that this is not always the case. If you are healthy otherwise and believe that you have come down with a common cold or the flu, you could probably wait to see your primary physician, if you choose to be seen at all. However, if your health is otherwise compromised, a case of the common cold or flu may be considered an emergency. If you regularly visit a chemotherapy facility for cancer treatment, cold and flu symptoms should be evaluated immediately.
Female health and gynecological medical concerns
Female medical concerns are another example that it depends on your current situation. If you currently pregnant and you are experiencing premature pains, it is probably not a good idea to wait for your gynecologist. Instead, head to the local emergency medical care facility. If you think you are going into labor, you will also want to visit the local birthing center. There were nearly 4 million births in the U.S. in 2015 alone. If your female health concerns are not related to pregnancy, the symptoms and your medical history matter. Are you currently receiving treatment at a chemotherapy facility for ovarian or breast cancer? Any noticed female problems should be seen as soon as possible. Cramps and breast pain, however, without any other medical conditions can likely wait to see a primary physician or a specialized gynecologist.
Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties is almost always considered an emergency unless you believe that it is related to a cold or sinuses. However, if you are unsure of the cause of your difficulty breathing, you will want to head to your local emergency acute care facility. If you are regularly receiving treatment at a chemotherapy facility, this could be a problem with the treatment and you should seek medical help immediately.
Bone sprains and fractures
Bone fractures are one of the most common emergency room visit reasons, leading to approximately 3.5 million emergency room visits each year. Many of these problems are a simple sprain or fracture, requiring minimal medical treatment. Some of them, however, will require further medical attention. A 2014 study by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons found that 4.7 million Americans were living with artificial knees. A typical sprain can usually be seen by your primary physician or a local urgent care center.
Know your own body
When making important medical care decisions, it is necessary to know your own body. You know what is normal and what is not when it comes to your own health. If you are regularly visiting a chemotherapy facility, you are likely to be more careful on your healthcare needs. Even if you are not currently receiving any other type of medical treatment, you will want to be able to recognize medical emergencies with your own health. If you feel that something is not right, go with your urge and get evaluated by a physician.
As new medical treatment models emerge, patients can easily become confused on where to seek treatment. With so many possible medical concerns, it is important to understand the difference between a medical emergency and a nonemergency. However, it is also important to understand your own personal health and to know when immediate medical care is needed.