Should I Go to the Emergency Room?

If you have chest pain or pressure, difficulty breathing, or uncontrolled bleeding, you absolutely need to go to the emergency room (ER). In fact, with these types of symptoms, you probably want to call 911 so an ambulance can take you to the hospital.

But what if you have a fever and sore throat? Or threw up once or twice? Should you rush to the ER or reach out to your primary care provider?

Knowing where to turn in a medical emergency can be confusing. So, here’s an easy guide to help you figure out when an ER visit is necessary.

When to Go the Emergency Room

When should you go to the ER? You should go to the ER if you’re experiencing a serious illness or injury that requires immediate medical attention.

Some examples of symptoms that are best treated in the ER include:

Chest pain or pressure: These could be signs of a heart attack.
Weakness, numbness, or slurred speech: This might mean a stroke.
Difficulty breathing: Trouble breathing needs to be treated right away.
Loss of consciousness: If someone blacks out and doesn’t wake up.
Severe injuries or uncontrolled bleeding: This includes injuries from accidents or falls.
Serious burns: Burns that cover a large area or are very painful.
Severe allergic reactions: Such as swelling or trouble breathing.
Severe abdominal pain: Intense pain in your stomach area.
Mental health crisis: If someone is at risk of hurting themselves or others.
High fever: A fever over 103°F, especially if it’s not coming down or is accompanied by a rash.

Should You Call 911?

If you think someone is having a heart attack or stroke, has blacked out and lost consciousness, is having trouble breathing, or is severely injured, you want to call 911 instead of driving them to the ER yourself. That way lifesaving care can begin right away in the ambulance.

It’s also important to know that going to the hospital by ambulance doesn’t mean you will be seen right away. If your medical condition isn’t urgent, you can still end up sitting for hours in the hospital waiting room.

When to Not Go to the Emergency Room

If you or a loved one is having symptoms that are not severe or life-threatening, it’s usually better to contact your primary care provider instead of visiting the ER.

That’s because emergency room visits can be expensive and you often have to wait a long time to be seen. Plus, doctors in the ER don’t know you like your primary care provider does, so you could end up with unnecessary tests or treatments that aren’t customized for your health needs.

Examples of symptoms that are often best treated by your primary care provider include:

Colds and Flu: Including a stuffy nose, watery eyes, sore throat, fever, chills, headaches, and muscle aches are often managed best by your primary care provider who knows you.
Chronic Condition Management: Ongoing care for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or asthma should be handled by your primary care doctor or a specialist who knows your medical history.
Preventive Care: Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings are typically managed by your primary care physician, who focuses on maintaining your long-term health and preventing future issues.
Follow-Up Care: If you have recently been treated for a condition or illness, you want to follow up with your primary care provider to monitor your recovery and manage your ongoing care.

Making the Decision

When deciding whether to go to the ER or see your primary care doctor, consider the following factors:

Severity of Symptoms: If you have symptoms that are sudden, severe, or worsening rapidly, the ER is likely the best choice.
Timing: For non-urgent issues that can wait until business hours, scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider is usually the better option.
Cost: ER visits are typically more expensive than a visit to your primary care provider. For nonurgent issues and follow-ups on existing treatments, your primary care provider will give you more personalized and cost-effective care.

How to Find a Primary Care Provider

If you don’t yet have a primary care provider, just visit the Innovista Medical Center provider directory where you can search by name, city, or zip code. Innovista accepts Medicare, as well as all Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas plans.