Finding yourself in need of emergency medical services is never a fun experience. Whether you’re there due to a work-related injury, car accident, or even a high fever, the whole ordeal can be overwhelming and quite confusing. If you don’t know what to expect, or are underprepared, a trip to the emergency room feels ten times worse.

Here are six things you should know about visiting the emergency room. The list below will explain how you can prepare yourself before an accident occurs, what to expect during your visit (besides treatment of course), and what to do once you have been discharged.

 When to Go to the ER
The severity of an illness or injury dictates how soon you need to get medical attention. The emergency room is intended for conditions that require immediate care for a potentially life-threatening condition. If you or someone else experiences any of the following, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away.

  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Passing out or fainting.
  • A car accident.
  • Severe pain anywhere on or in the body.
  • Deep wounds, severe burns, or heavy bleeding.
  • Possible broken bone, or sudden inability to move any part of your body.
  • Sudden confusion, or inability to speak, walk, see, or hear.
  • Injury to the neck and or spine.
  • Coughing or vomiting blood.
  • Severe allergic reaction indicated by swelling, hives or difficulty breathing.
  • A high fever that doesn’t get better with medicine. A fever of 104 degrees Fahrenheit is dangerous and can cause brain damage.

After an injury that does not meet these criteria, an Urgent Care center is a much better option. You are more likely to get treatment without a long wait, and health insurance does not put the same restrictions on Urgent Care visits as on Emergency room care.

Create an Emergency File
The American College of Emergency Physicians highly suggests making an emergency file in case of an urgent medical situation. It’s necessary for doctors to have certain personal information about the patient to begin proper treatment. This file should include a list of current medications you take, your insurance cards, any allergies (predominantly drug-related), and chronic conditions, as well as details of any past operations you’ve had.

Out of Pocket Costs
It’s important to ask about any costs that will be billed to you after your visit. Even if you seek help at a hospital that is approved by your health insurance plan, the possibility of receiving a bill still remains. Facilities sometimes employ doctors that do not partake in your group plan. These may include ER physicians, pathologists, and radiologists. Some health insurance plans discourage ER visits that are not “necessary” by upping the copay or deductible if you are not admitted. If it is not a true emergency and there is one nearby, consider an Urgent Care facility instead of the ER.

After you’ve received initial treatment, if another party is at fault for your personal injury or if you were hurt in a workplace accident, call our firm. The next steps can make a difference in your reimbursement of medical costs.

The Waiting Game
Understand that if your emergency is not extremely urgent, you will likely have to sit in the waiting room. The longer you sit in a hospital, the greater your risk of catching colds or flu, especially in the Fall and Winter.  With the overburdening of emergency rooms and hospitals due to COVID, this is more likely to occur. Doctors tend to the most severe cases first. In addition to the initial wait, you may also have to wait for test results before treatment can continue or you are discharged. With your emergency file, it’s a good idea to have a go-bag with your phone charger, and something to occupy yourself such as a book, earbuds for music, or crossword puzzles.

Ask If There is a Social Worker Available
It can be pretty scary when you’re in the ER even if you know what to expect. Many hospitals have social workers who can help you figure out problems with your insurance and health plan approvals. If you are unsure about something, ask an employee if there is someone on staff that you can talk to.

Before You Leave…
It’s a good idea to have all of your discharge instructions written down. The information recorded should cover the names of the physicians that took care of you, the diagnosis you received as a result of the visit, new prescriptions, and any additional instructions, such as physical restrictions, follow-up appointments, or diet changes. Obviously, this data is important to assist you in the recovery process.

However, it is also helpful in case you become a victim of After an injury, knowing your legal rights can be as important to your recovery as prompt medical treatment, and you should contact an attorney. Call our law firm at 314-252-9937 for more information or to schedule a free consultation.