When to Go to the ER

Over the last few years, published reports and studies describe in detail the long wait times in our country’s emergency rooms. Nearly one-in-four Californians are currently without health insurance, and may be unsure of preventive care options. Many are waiting until their health concerns become acute conditions and then seek care in hospital emergency rooms.

Health care needs of the uninsured are one of the biggest reasons that California’s emergency rooms are becoming more crowded and have wait times that are even longer. Seeking treatment for a non-emergency condition in the hospital emergency room adds to overcrowding, poor use of available resources, and extended delays. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest ER.

If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest ER. If you do not think you have a medical emergency but you do require care, there are other options. Many communities in California have urgent care centers specifically designed to deal with medical conditions not ideally suited for the emergency room. These urgent care centers are usually open for extended hours. Another option might be a retail healthcare clinic, located in retail stores, which are prepared to treat a limited range of conditions, such as minor infections and injuries.

If you don’t have insurance and are wondering where you can receive care in your community, just use Californians for Patient Care’s MyHealthResource to find out which healthcare providers in your area provide low- and no-cost services.

Being mindful of your health circumstances and what warrants a medical emergency can help you get the care you need, when you need it, at the care facility that is right for you.