You’ve got a sore throat, but it’s late on a Friday night. Should you wait it out until Monday or head to a clinic inside a local grocery store? Your son fell at soccer practice. He seemed OK initially, but now he’s complaining that his leg hurts. Is this really an emergency, or will a trip to urgent care suffice? Dr. Mary Jo Welker of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center offers her tips on how to decide where to go when you’re not feeling well.
What factors should I consider when choosing whether to go to my family doctor versus an urgent care clinic or the emergency room?
It is very important for patients to establish a relationship with a primary care physician for their overall well-being. Most primary care physicians or family physicians can treat about 90 percent of problems encountered by patients. The continuity of health care that a primary care physician provides has been shown to lower cost and improve outcomes. The primary care physician should know your family history and order screening tests that are recommended for preventive care. While some things can be taken care of by patients at home, if you are uncertain about something, do not be afraid to call and ask your physician. And there are a variety of other health care options to consider if your primary care physician is unable to see you at a particular time.
What types of injuries/illnesses is a family doctor best suited to diagnose/treat?
Primary care physicians will monitor tests for chronic conditions – such as diabetes or high blood pressure – that are common in our society and treat those patients appropriately. In addition, they can treat colds, sinus infections, bladder infections and other minor illnesses, including bug bites, minor burns, poison ivy and sore throat. They can order lab tests including pregnancy tests, strep throat and flu, and can also provide immunizations and school/sports physicals. Same-day appointments are often available for immediate needs.
Family doctors often work together with other health care professionals, such as a nurse practitioner, a pharmacist, a dietician, or a social worker – along with nurses and medical assistants. This team of professionals is there to help meet the various needs of the patients being served. It is important to remember that not all physician offices are the same, so some will offer different services than others. They might have different equipment or different abilities to do particular tests. While some larger facilities may have radiology equipment, in general, family physicians do not have X-ray capability in their offices. So if you have injured yourself and think you might have broken a bone or a cut that needs stitches, you should seek medical help at an urgent care facility or emergency room.
When should I go to a retail clinic?
Retail clinics available in local pharmacies or grocery stores, such as those inside Giant Eagle, Kroger, CVS or Walgreens, are able to treat minor illnesses including colds, flu, ear infections, sinus infections, bladder infections, bug bites, minor burns, sore throats, and poison ivy. Healthcare professionals at these locations, such as physicians or nurse practitioners, can give some immunizations and do sports physicals. And they can do some simple lab tests like strep throat and pregnancy testing. They are often open on weekends when primary care physician offices are usually closed, and offer convenience for walk-in patients with no appointment needed.
When should I go an after-hours clinic or urgent care?
After-hours clinics and urgent care centers are able to perform imaging services such as X-ray, CT and MRI, and treat non-life threatening burns and lacerations. They can repair cuts with stitches and treat minor sprains and strains. They can also care for more significant infections as well as the minor illnesses such as colds and flu.
When should I go to the emergency department?
The emergency department is available for those with more significant problems, such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain, severe abdominal pain, uncontrolled bleeding, changes in vision, changes in mental status and severe or persistent vomiting. If you are experiencing fainting, sudden dizziness or weakness, or any sudden or severe pain, persistent vomiting or severe diarrhea, you should also seek care at a hospital emergency department immediately. These facilities have much more equipment and the ability to provide a more advanced level of care that cannot be had in the primary care physician’s office. For life-threatening symptoms or problems, please call 911.
When is it OK to “wait and see” if an illness/injury heals on its own?
If you think that the problem is something minor, you can try to care for it at home with over-the-counter medication. Remember that antibiotics are not needed and are not effective to treat viral infections. If in doubt, you can ask your pharmacist for what is available or contact your primary care physician for advice. But if the problem persists, it is important to seek help from your primary care physician. Ideally you will have a team of individuals available to care for your needs, and my hope is that you will seek the right care at the right time and the right place for your medical needs.
Dr. Mary Jo Welker
Dr. Mary Jo Welker is a family physician at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and a recent past president of the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation Board of Trustees. Welker is executive director of OSU’s Primary Care Network and the associate dean for primary care. She also serves as the chair for the Department of Family Medicine. She is a member of the board of directors for Ohio State University Physicians. Welker has served as a member of the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians Board of Directors, the Ohio State Medical Association Board of Trustees and the American Academy of Family Physicians Board of Directors. Welker is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and has the AAFP Degree of Fellow, an earned degree awarded to family physicians for distinguished service and continuing medical education.
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