I need to see a Doctor now! Should I go to the ER?

Health Care options are changing – a lot. Those who may not visit a physician often or routinely may not have had the opportunity, or the need, to identify a primary physician. So what are your options if something should come up unexpectedly? Something to consider is your local Urgent Care office.

When is Urgent Care the better choice? For conditions that need medical attention but are not life-threatening, Urgent Care clinics provide quality health care, without an appointment – this is especially important after normal business hours, on a weekend, or when your regular provider is unavailable to see you right away. Dr. Todd Wells, an Urgent Care provider at Arch Health Partners in Poway, explains that the majority of patients who start with the ER could have received complete, appropriate care at the Urgent Care office. He states that “The primary reason patients do visit Urgent Care is the convenience of it – we’re all about convenience. We’re here when you can’t see your primary physician due to scheduling or just want peace of mind in seeing a doctor right away.” Also of benefit, Urgent Care offers service to those who may not have an established health insurance plan or prefer to make cash or credit card payments in full at the time they receive service. This is a great advantage when you consider that the national average cost to visit an Emergency Room be several times higher the price of a visit to Urgent Care. Also, it’s a good idea keep a copy of all your current medications (prescription and non-prescription) with you; this is a valuable resource for the physician on duty to provide you with the best treatment. Also, a quick call or visit to your local Urgent Care Clinic’s website will allow you to quickly determine if your insurance plan covers the facility you choose. Consider Urgent Care for conditions such as: abdominal pain, asthma attack, bloody nose, broken bone, colds and flu, cuts and lacerations, ear ache, insect or animal bites and stings, rashes, sore throat, sprains and sports injuries, urinary infection, or work-related injuries. Most locations are staffed by an Urgent Care Physician and Nurse.

When should patients choose the Emergency Room? In general, an emergency is a sudden, serious and unexpected illness, injury or condition which may result in permanent injury or loss of life if not treated immediately. If you experience any of the following serious issues, get help right away: complex bone fractures, head injuries and loss of consciousness, severe allergic reactions, sudden bleeding or loss of vision, fevers over 104 degrees, chest pain or difficulty breathing. Arch Health Partners Urgent Care physicians Dr. Todd Wells and Dr. Lionel Xavier caution that if a patient experiences symptoms of potentially serious conditions such as heart attack or stroke, it’s best to choose the emergency room to avoid any delay in getting the most appropriate, timely care. In case of an emergency, always dial 911.

Arch Health Partners Urgent Care locations are available in Poway at 15611 Pomerado Road, 3rd Floor, Poway and at 211 13th Street in Ramona. And you’ll also get your lollipop when you leave. To learn more, visit www.ArchHealth.org/UrgentCare.

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