People tend to shy away from the topic of medical procedures. One reason could be their fear of the unknown, while another might stem from unfamiliarity with medical procedures. Whatever the reason, developing a better understanding of the subject can allow you to make more informed choices about your medical treatment.
Many medical procedures that were once considered unusual or extreme are now commonplace today. Some of these procedures can be done in a doctor’s office or at home with the help of some over-the-counter remedies, while other methods require more intense care, such as going to the emergency room or being admitted to the hospital.
Going to the doctor can be scary; understandably, you want to know what you’re in for. But not all medical procedures are created equal. Some are routine and require little more than a check-up, while others require immediate attention. So what medical procedures are out there? How do you know if you need one, and how can you tell if you need to see a doctor right away or if a simple consultation with a specialist will do the job?
The following list will help you answer the question, should I see a specialist in an emergency?
Emergency Situations
The first step is ensuring you’re in an actual medical emergency. If you have chest pains, shortness of breath, or any other symptoms that suggest you may be having a heart attack, you should seek treatment immediately.
Even if your symptoms aren’t severe enough for an emergency room visit, it’s still important to get checked out within 24 hours of their onset so that doctors can figure out what’s going on with your body and come up with the most appropriate course of action.
Specialist Procedures or Surgeries
If you feel fine but want to make sure that nothing is wrong with your health, then it’s time to see a specialist. A typical example would be a routine physical exam with your primary care physician. These can usually be scheduled for a specific time, so you’re not in an urgent situation.
Urgent Care Clinics
If your non-life-threatening condition is causing discomfort but isn’t life-threatening (such as an ear infection), it might be best to seek an urgent care clinic instead of an emergency room visit. Urgent care clinics usually offer faster treatment access than ERs and much lower costs.
They are designed to treat minor illnesses and injuries, so they can be a good option for those who don’t need immediate attention but need treatment. Urgent care clinics usually have shorter wait times than ERs because they don’t take appointments. You just walk in, get seen by a doctor right away, and leave once your symptoms are resolved.
Walk-In Clinics
Walk-in clinics are another option for non-emergency care. These clinics offer the same services as urgent care centers but don’t require appointments and may be open 24 hours a day. Walk-in clinic prices can vary depending on where you live and your insurance, but they are usually much lower than ERs.
You’ll typically see a nurse first and then a doctor, but some walk-in clinics may have doctors on staff who will see you right away.
Walk-in clinics are also a good option if you’re unsure whether your issue is urgent or non-urgent. You can talk to a nurse about your symptoms and get advice on where to go next.
Emergency medical care can come in a wide range of forms and still be true emergency care. You may hurt yourself more by not seeking help right away. At Christian Healthcare Specialists-Newaygo, our patients are the heart of everything we do. We exist to provide exceptional medical services and improve lives. Please contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our experts today!