Keep the ER for Emergencies

Holidays are the busiest time of the year for lots of stores, restaurants, and gathering places across the country. Unfortunately, they are also the busiest time of year for Emergency Rooms. One of the highest stresses in the Emergency Room over the holidays is the overflow of non-critical patients seeking treatment for issues that can be treated by their Primary Care Provider or Urgent Care center. Here’s a quick and funny video spotted over in Australia to Keep Emergency Departments for Emergencies.

For patients, it can be hard to tell what kind of medical assistance is needed. At Southwest Orlando Family Medicine, we strive to better educate patients as part of our goal to provide exceptional medical care. Below, we’ve gathered resources to help you have a better understanding of when to seek Primary Care, your local Urgent Care center, or the Emergency Room.

Primary Care Provider

Here at Southwest Orlando Family Medicine, we take care of acute concerns, regular medical examinations, and long-term disease management. In our office, we perform regular physicals, vaccinations, and screenings as well as treat typical colds, flu, migraines, ear infections, and injuries such as minor cuts and burns. We even offer same-day results when testing strep, flu, mono, UTIs, and more, like many Urgent Care centers and Emergency Rooms. Did you know we also provide joint injections for patients with shoulder or knee pain? Take a few minutes to review our clinical services in case you find yourself in need over the holidays and beyond.

Diagnostic tests and management of chronic diseases are best with a trusted family practice. From there, your Primary Care Provider can point you toward any specialists that may help facilitate your treatment. Patients can review and add to their paperwork in our Patient Portal.

Urgent Care

Urgent Care centers can be found locally across the greater Orlando area. Urgent Care is best for more-than-minor injuries or symptoms that are not life-threatening. Muscle sprains, strains, and cuts as well as minor infections, rashes, and even minor broken bones can be treated there. Depending on the availability of your Primary Care Provider, diagnostic services such as x-rays and laboratory tests may also available. It’s important to know that not all Urgent Care centers provide the same patient services.

In our clinical network, we are most familiar with CentraCare and CareSpot. These Urgent Care centers are good patient resources when Southwest Orlando Family Medicine is not open, or our on-call Clinician is unable to provide patient recommendations over the phone. The most comprehensive resource in Orlando now is GuideWell Urgent Care, with access to CT scans, Xrays, Ultrasounds, and same-visit laboratory services.

Emergency Room

The Emergency Room is meant for severe injuries and complications; however, people often go to the Emergency Room even for minor issues. According to Pinnacle Health, less than 30% of emergency doctor visits actually require emergency care. For patients, it is by far the most expensive way to seek treatment. For medical staff, too many patients can make it difficult to attend to urgent situations such as life-threatening injuries and conditions.

Necessary ER concerns include: major injuries, especially to the head or neck, trouble breathing or severe allergic reactions, severe burns, major broken bones, losing consciousness, seizures, uncontrollable bleeding, coughing or vomiting blood, and drug or alcohol overdose or poisoning. Warning signs of a heart attack or stroke are also reasons to call 9-1-1.

Here are some helpful charts on how to identify heart attack and stroke.

Here at Southwest Orlando Family Medicine, we are dedicated to you and your family’s health and providing the best treatment and care. Never hesitate to talk with your Clinician regarding any questions or concerns about seeking medical assistance. Getting sick or ready for a follow up? Book An Appointment today so you can be happy and healthy for the holidays!

Sources: ER vs. Urgent Care vs. Primary Care

Disclaimer: All information presented on this website is intended for informational purposes only and not intended to replace your individual medical advice. Please review this information with your clinical team to ensure it’s appropriate for your individual medical needs. The information contained is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.