in Charge
NOV/DEC 2010
11
CL E V E R CO N $ U M E R
Medical Emergency or Mishap:
Knowing when and where to get the help you need
The Emergency Room (ER) serves an important
role in providing immediate care to people with serious, often
It’s not always easy to determine when to go to your physician’s
life-threatening situations. However, many people visit the ER for
description of the type of care facility and suggestions on when
issues that are much less serious. This can mean unnecessary
it is most appropriate. For quick reference, cut out the chart
out-of-pocket costs since ER visits are usually higher in cost than
below and post it on your refrigerator
office, an Urgent Care Center or a hospital ER. Below is a
visits to Urgent Care/After-Hours Clinics or standard office visits.
G
TAKE
CHArGE!
When to Go: At-a-Glance
PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN
Go for: Basic care for common illnesses
and minor injuries, including:
•
* If you seek care at an Emergency Room or Urgent Care
Center, be sure to follow up with your physician. Some
conditions need further evaluation and treatment.
URGENT CARE/AFTER-HOURS CLINIC*
EMERGENCY ROOM*
Go for: A medical condition that’s causing you
discomfort and you can’t wait until your doctor’s office opens, including:
Go for: Serious, life-threatening illness or
trauma, including:
•
•
difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
•
chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure
•
fainting, sudden dizziness, weakness
•
changes in vision
•
confusion or changes in mental status
•
any sudden or severe pain
•
uncontrolled bleeding
•
severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
•
coughing or vomiting blood
•
suicidal feelings
•
difficulty speaking
•
shortness of breath
•
unusual abdominal pain
•
broken bones
mild allergic reactions
(non life-threatening)
serious allergic reactions
(non life-threatening)
•
ear aches
•
sprains
•
minor cuts where bleeding is controlled
•
cough, cold or sore throat
•
sprains and other strains of muscles
and joints
•
fever or flu-like symptoms
•
treatment of minor burns
•
painful ear ache
•
rashes and minor swelling
•
animal bites
•
colds, coughs and sore throat
•
rash, skin irritations
•
most fevers (if there are convulsions
or extreme fever in children,
go to the ER)
•
mild asthma
•
stomach ache
•
onset of back pain
•
possible infection
#
Need to find an In-Network Urgent Care Clinic near you? Health plan
contact information can be found on Your Benefits Resource Center
(Hewitt) at www.ybr.com/dteenergy or call 866.899.4383.
Not Sure Where to Turn?
Call the Nurseline! 866.261.7144
RedBrick Health’s 24-hour Nurseline puts you in
touch with a nurse who can help you get answers to
your immediate health concerns—such as the best
way to handle an illness or injury. Nurses are also
available to discuss less immediate needs, such as
working with you to make informed health care
decisions. Call 24 hours a day/7 days a week at
866.261.7144.