When you’re sick and need help it is important that you know where to go to get the help you need. There are a few different options for healthcare, and going to the right one will ensure you get the help you need without needing to pay more than is necessary.
When to Visit a Doctor
The most common way to take care of a healthcare problem is by simply visiting your doctor’s office. The doctor’s office is also generally the cheapest way to receive health care, though you may sometimes have to wait a little longer to get into the office with an appointment. Wait times in the healthcare industry are twice as long as in other service industries.
If you are experiencing symptoms or have an injury that isn’t urgent to take care of and it is during normal working hours, a doctor’s appointment is often the best choice. Sometimes even on a busy day, your doctor’s office can help you get in sooner if they know you have a pressing issue, and they can often get you the help you need. If you are dealing with more specialized issues, it may be a good idea to schedule a visit with a specialist. There are usually symptoms of an issue that you can notice beforehand.
When to Visit the Emergency Room
The emergency room is an important resource when you have an urgent injury or illness, or other medical centers are closed. Emergency rooms are open 24 hours a day, so they are often the only option when you are injured or very ill late at night.
Emergency rooms are also equipped to help with more serious injuries or conditions. If you have a serious injury or are experiencing severe symptoms that require immediate care, the emergency room is often your best option. If you are injured or sick during the day and aren’t sure if you should go to the emergency room, your primary care doctor can often give you the advice you need.
When to Visit Urgent Care
Urgent care is usually a middle ground between the doctor’s office and the emergency room. If you are injured or sick and your doctor’s office is too busy to get you in, but you aren’t ill enough to need immediate serious care, urgent care can be a great choice that will get you what you need more quickly than your doctor can. Urgent care is also usually open earlier and later than typical doctor’s offices, so they are great places to go when you experience symptoms in the evening or early morning.
Deciding to get medical care can help you tackle your problems and get the help you need. When you know where to go for what kinds of injuries and illnesses, you can make the best choices for your health.
Read this next: How to Choose a New Family Dentist After Moving
