Skip to main content

Getting the right care: avoiding an unnecessary, costly ER visit

Do you need a trip to the emergency room? Who should you call?

According to recent CDC data, many urgent care and emergency visits could be avoided if patients had faster, more informed guidance.

No one plans for illness or injury, but it’s crucial to be prepared. Many people default to the emergency room when they’re unsure where to go but reaching out to your healthcare provider first can ensure that you get the appropriate care quickly – often without the need for an ER visit.

When patients and caregivers are able to reach their primary healthcare provider first, they can often get quick guidance on the best course of action and avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency room. According to the CDC, only 13 percent of ER visits resulted in hospital admissions.

Unless someone is dealing with a life-threatening emergency, people should be encouraged to contact their healthcare provider first and seek guidance on the best course of action. This ensures they make the most informed decision and helps prevent unnecessary hospital visits.

To learn more about our extended hours, visit wellmedhealthcare.com/patients/extended-hours/.

Many people head straight to the ER or urgent care when they’re feeling sick or injured. But is there a faster or better way to get the care they need?

Calling your healthcare provider first is critical because they can often offer faster, more targeted care without the need for a lengthy ER visit.

Unless someone is dealing with a life-threatening emergency, people should be encouraged to contact their healthcare provider first. According to the CDC, only 1-in-7 ER visits result in hospital admission. In the ER, there are likely to be long wait times, risk of infection, and you might not get the treatment you need. By calling your provider, you can get advice tailored to your specific condition. This way, you’re not just getting care quickly—you’re getting the right care for your situation.

What should people do to plan ahead for medical emergencies?

  • Keep contact information for your provider available.
  • Plan ahead. It can save valuable time when a medical issue arises.
  • Know your healthcare provider’s office hours and what services they offer, such as extended hours, after-hours clinics, telemedicine, and even Saturday clinics.

Caregivers are often responsible for making these decisions for their loved ones. How can caregivers make more informed decisions about whether to go to the ER or not?

Caregivers have an important responsibility, and the key to making informed decisions is knowing when and how to reach out for help. By reaching out to their health providers first, caregivers can get immediate guidance on whether to seek in-person care, urgent care, or manage the issue at home, from someone who is familiar with their loved one’s health situation. This ensures they make the most informed decision, helps prevent unnecessary hospital visits, and keep the patients care team informed about the situation. This not only avoids unnecessary stress but also helps ensure that the person they’re caring for gets the right kind of care.