Going to the ER can be a stressful experience, especially in these pandemic times. However, you can diminish the anxiety if you know how to prepare for the visit. One of the most important things is to have all the necessary documentation on your person, like your ID and insurance card.
Also, make sure that you inform your doctors about all the medications you are taking and any allergies that you might have. Unless you are reaching the hospital by ambulance, you will be greeted by a nurse who will assess the urgency of your case. Read on to find out more.
1. Go Prepared
When you go to an emergency room, be prepared to stay. The most important thing is that you have all the important documents on your person, like your ID and insurance cards. Since you never really know when an emergency might occur, it is best to always carry these documents with yourself, or at least copies of them.
Once at the hospital, you will have to provide the medical staff a complete list of all the medication you are currently taking and any allergies that you might have. You could make a list with this information and put it in your wallet, so you always have it at hand.
Since you might spend some time at the hospital, depending on the situation, it is advised to take some personal items with you. Most hospitals provide gowns, but if you want to have more options, pack a few comfy clothes. What is more, you can take items for your hygiene, like a comb, a toothbrush, or a towel. You could also take a comfort item, something with a lot of personal significance, that has helped you get through tough times.
If you want to be fully prepared for an ER visit, you could pack an emergency kit that you can just grab before leaving. If not, you could also ask someone to bring in what you need, after you have been admitted.
2. Calling an Ambulance Limits ER Options
If you decide to call an ambulance, you should be aware that the driver might be required to take you to one of the nearest emergency care facilities. Therefore, you will have limited options. However, in a serious case, the sooner you receive medical care, the better. Paramedics will try to stabilize the patient on the way to the hospital.
One of the most common reasons for which people end up at the ER is motor vehicle accidents. In Georgia during a single year, there are well over 1,000 fatalities and around 19,500 serious injuries caused by car crashes.
Source: https://www.sinklaw.com/georgia-personal-injury-lawyer/
3. Triage
As you arrive at the hospital a triage nurse will greet you and decide on the urgency of your care. They will ask about your condition, take a brief medical history, and measure your vital signs. However, if you arrive by ambulance in a life-threatening state, you will skip the triage.
4. Out-of-Pocket-Costs
Although the hospital you go to is approved on your health plan, there might still be additional costs. To avoid any unpleasant surprises of huge bills upon release, ask about any out-of-pocket-costs while you are admitted.
Even if the hospital is covered by your insurance, some medical experts working there might not be. For example, you could be charged for services run by pathologists or radiologists.
5. You Can Still Go to the ER during the Pandemic
All sorts of health problems continue to occur even during the COVID-19 pandemic but fewer people seek medical care for fear of contagion. However, ERs are not only open and ready to receive and treat cases but the hospitals are trying to minimize the risk.
The list of measures implemented by hospitals under the pandemic is long. One of the most important things to remember is that patients diagnosed with the virus are in a designated area of the building. They are isolated from other patients. Also, commonly touched surfaces are disinfected more frequently to prevent any contagion through contact.
Visitation rights have been restricted throughout the hospital. So, if you are going to be admitted, you will probably not enjoy visits from your family and friends. However, it is important to stay in contact. If you can, try to give them regular updates about your situation. Regular phone calls or video chats can also help with your morale.
Seek Medical Care
It is perfectly normal to be a bit anxious before going to the ER but do not let this stop you from seeking medical care. Help your doctors have a full picture of your health condition and be ready to provide in-detail information. Your medical history can help them diagnose and treat you faster.
Author’s Bio Sarah Douglass
Sarah Douglass has been writing all her life. What started as a passion soon became her life goal. At such a young age, she has already faced and overcame many obstacles. The instinct she developed through her life experience is coupled with an in-depth knowledge of the legal field. Sarah sees writing as a means to connect to others and help them overcome hard times.