One day you’re minding your own business, perhaps running an errand or doing some housework – then BAM! You get hurt.
Injuries often happen when we least expect them: at work, at home doing chores, a slip-and-fall in the shower, or even waking up and stumbling in the middle of the night. When a situation like this occurs, it can be difficult to know where to go for care.
Are your druthers to make an appointment to see your primary care physician (PCP) about your injury, or do you go straight to the emergency room (ER)? Although accidents and injuries are unpredictable, you can prepare for and plan what kind of doctor you would want to see in the case of a sudden injury.
When to Go to the ER
The emergency room handles all kinds of injuries, including everything from relatively minor cuts, aches, and pains, to more severe injuries like broken bones and critical wounds after a car accident.
Almost any condition that you’re experiencing can be treated and cared for at the emergency room. If there is an issue that requires rapid or advanced treatments that are only available in a hospital setting, such as surgery, the emergency room is the place to go to first.
If you’re experiencing any of the following conditions, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away:
- Pain in the chest
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Numbness or weakness
- Fainting, dizziness, or severe vertigo
- Burns
- Cuts
- Severe bruises
- Eye injuries
- Head injuries or concussions
- Broken bones
- Dislocated joints
- Sprains and painful strains
- High fever
- Skin rash or unusual irritation
- Seizures
- Vaginal bleeding with pregnancy
- Unusual discharge from your body
- Anything on your body that suddenly looks or feels wrong
When to Go to Your Doctor
If you’ve decided that your symptoms or your injury is not an emergency situation, you may decide to make an appointment with your primary care physician.
In any non-emergency situation, visiting your doctor is always preferred, because your doctor knows you and your medical history, any medications and treatments you have been prescribed, and any medical conditions that you have. All of these are important things for a doctor to consider before deciding on a treatment.
While you may need to wait for an appointment to see your doctor, keep in mind that you would likely have to sit in the waiting room of the ER for hours. Plus, there is usually a significant price difference between the co-pay for a visit to your doctor’s office versus a costly trip to the emergency room.
If your doctor is not available or is unable to provide you with the proper treatment you require, they can refer you to a specialist or another medical professional who can serve you.
Skilled Doctors in Texoma
We know you have many options when it comes to your medical treatment. When you have an accident, injury, or unusual health condition, trust your instincts about the severity and seriousness of it.
It’s better to be overly proactive about your health and wellness than to decide not to be treated at all. The caring doctors here at Carrus Health are specially trained to diagnose and treat anything you may be experiencing, and we are conveniently located in Sherman, Texas.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, please call us today at (903) 870-2600 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to serving you and helping you stay healthy!
