Feeling sick? Know where to go for care

There’s a tickle in your throat, your nose is plugged, your head pounds.

You feel terrible but you’re not sure where to turn. Do you need to make the drive to an immediate care clinic, or even an emergency department? It’s likely you might be able to talk with a doctor from the comfort of your own home.

One of the easiest ways to get convenient care is a virtual visit. For minor health issues, a Quick Care Video Visit with a provider can help you get care without having to go to a busy location or sit in a waiting room. While it might be the first place you think of, the emergency department isn’t necessarily the most appropriate setting. There are other options for lower-acuity and less-severe ailments and knowing your options can lead to a better, more comfortable patient experience.

When pain comes on quick, we are taught to seek care at the emergency department. The ED is the appropriate place to go for chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms like a terrible headache, broken bones and other serious conditions.

“Emergency Departments will see all patients who come in. However, patients are treated by the severity of their medical condition, not the time they arrive,” said Dr. Okubanjo, an emergency medicine physician at Advocate Christ Medical Center. “If your condition is not immediately serious, in a very busy environment, it may take some time for you to be seen.”

Depending on the symptoms, a more convenient option for patients is a virtual visit. It can be hard to tell the difference between cold, flu or COVID symptoms. But a Quick Care Virtual Visit allows a provider to check out symptoms while patients are comfortable at home and share next steps. This is even an option if you think you might need a diagnostic test, like for strep, flu or COVID.

After a provider orders a test during the virtual visit, patients can self-schedule their test in the LiveWell app for a nearby immediate care clinic. The results are routed directly to the provider for follow up.

And if you require an in-person visit, immediate care centers can be a better option than the ED for less serious issues like sprains and strains, cuts and scrapes, rashes and minor burns.

If you’re experiencing cold, flu or COVID symptoms, stay home and visit advocatehealth.com/videovisit to start a video visit anytime. If you think you’re experiencing a medical emergency or having difficulty breathing, dial 911.

While it can be stressful to seek medical care in a hurry, knowing the symptoms and the many options available can help you or your loved one get the care they need.

“If you have an unexpected medical condition and it’s not an emergency, it’s always best to ask your primary care doctor,” said Okubanjo. “Consider a Quick Care Video Visit for minor illnesses as a more convenient and comfortable alternative.”