Many patients who are dealing with medical issues may wonder who they should visit. Should they schedule an appointment with their primary physician for another day? Should they walk into an urgent care clinic? Or do they need more immediate care and need to see a doctor at an emergency room? At Summit Healthcare, we understand how confusing it can be to determine when you need to visit the emergency room. It is important that patients are prudent with receiving the proper care when they need it, and avoid downplaying certain more serious issues and symptoms.
When to visit the emergency room
Sometimes it’s rather obvious when a situation is an emergency, but other times, it may not be so clear. When you or someone you love is dealing with a medical concern, it is important that you make the best decisions regarding the actions that should be taken at that time. Below are just a few of the conditions and symptoms patients might experience that could warrant a call to 911 or a visit to an emergency room:
- Severe head injury with headache or migraine
- Bleeding that cannot be controlled or stopped
- Coughing or vomiting of blood
- Fever with convulsions or high fever in a child under the age of 6 months
- Sudden numbness or weakness
- Unexplained dizziness and fainting
- Open wound fractures
- Displaced joints
- Difficulty breathing/wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Blood in urine or diarrhea
- Confusion or mental status changes
- Severe abdominal pain with or without intense localized pain
While this isn’t a full list of symptoms that warrant an emergency room visit, they can help patients evaluate the situation and decide if a trip is needed. Other conditions may be better for locations that offer an urgent care. Urgent care visits may include symptoms such as:
- Sore throat
- Cold or cough
- Rash or skin irritations
- Flu-like symptoms
- High fevers
- Mild injuries
- Earaches
Call Summit Healthcare
If you are in need of emergency or nonemergency care, we can help. Call (928) 537-4375 with questions or visit one of our four convenient locations throughout the area of Show Low, Arizona.
