And now it’s time for another Wellness 101… When to go to the ER… AND WHEN NOT TO.…presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network.



DISCLAIMER
In the event of a potentially life-threatening situation such as chest pain, shortness of breath or traumatic injury, call 9-1-1 and tell them to take you to the nearest St. Luke’s emergency room.



Hey guys…Mr. Wellness here and today we are talking about how to find the most appropriate care for your situation. Let’s say you take a spill… you wind up with some bumps, a scratch or two and a bruised ego. Or maybe you have a cold… sore throat, cough and sniffles. Should you go to the ER? Is walk-in care more appropriate? Or should you call your doctor’s office?


Option One – Primary Care
For most medical issues, start with your primary care provider. Your primary care doctor treats many common issues such as respiratory and sinus infections; colds and flu; headaches; poison, rashes and bug bites; vomiting; bumps, bruises, strains and sprains. Most St. Luke’s primary care offices have same day and next day appointments as well as evening, early morning and Saturday hours.


Option Two – Walk-In Care and Video Visits
As an alternative, St. Luke’s offers walk-in care and video visits for non-life-threatening conditions when your primary care office is closed.

Simply walk in to one of our many CareNow locations, no appointment is needed, or connect with a doctor via your smart phone, tablet or computer right from the comfort of your own home. Download the St. Luke’s app from the Apple Store or get it on Google Play. Most St. Luke’s CareNow locations offer the same level of care as your Primary Doctor but with extended hours, lab and X-ray services and “skip-the-wait” feature, a convenient way to reserve your spot inline online!


Option Three – Emergency Room Care
You never know where you’ll be when an emergency happens. Heart attacks, strokes and other medical emergencies come on suddenly. Chest pain and discomfort, facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, blurred or double vision –are all are signs of a medical emergency. St. Luke’s Hospital ERs are SAFE and provide immediate life-saving medical care, including award-winning stroke and heart attack care.


Folks, getting the care you need when you need it is of the utmost importance. Just be sure to take a quick second to evaluate the type of care you actually need. The last thing you want to do is fill the ER with non-emergencies. Got a sniffle or brusie…call your primary care doctor. Primary care closed…pop on into one of our many convenient Care-Now facilities. Got a medical emergency like chest pain, facial drooping, or broken bones, get to the nearest St. Luke’s Emergency room right away.
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