Doctor consulting patient hands closeup. Patient sitting at doctor office. Diagnostic, prevention of women diseases, healthcare, medical service, consultation or education, healthy lifestyle concept
It’s a fact of life that injuries can happen when you least expect it. One second you’re carrying groceries in from the car and then you sprained your ankle.
When these types of injuries occur we are often left wondering if we should go to the ER or a Mason City clinic. It’s not always a simple answer but this article will help you decide if you should go to the emergency room or visit a Mason City clinic.
The Difference Between Clinics and the ER
It’s not always easy to tell if you need to visit urgent care or ER. The difference between the two is the level of care that you will receive for your injuries.
Urgent care or a city clinic can help when your primary care physician is not available to see you and you have become sick or injured. If you have suddenly become sick or received an injury that you could address with your primary care doctor, this is a task for an Iowa city clinic.
Hospital emergency rooms can provide care any time day or night and are equipped with everything you need to provide care for complex or urgent situations.
Visit an ER if you are having a heart attack, stroke, a traumatic injury, or after an automobile accident. The ER is best suited to provide care in these emergency, life, or death situations.
For everything else, the general rule of thumb is that an urgent care Man son City facility can provide the care you need.
When to Go to the ER
Trust your gut in these situations. If you are experiencing a situation that requires advanced treatment or a hospital setting then go to the ER.
Symptoms that you might experience that require emergency room-level care include chest pain, difficulty breathing, slurred speech, weakness, or numbness on your side.
You may be experiencing a change in mental state of fainting. If you have a head injury or serious burns the ER can help.
If you have an injury to your eyes, broken bones or dislocated joints, a concussion, or are confused it is a good idea to get to the emergency room as quickly as possible.
Any injury where you might need stitches such as facial lacerations or severe cuts should seek treatment from the emergency room.
If you are pregnant and are experiencing vaginal bleeding go to the emergency room immediately.
When choosing an emergency room to go to it is always a good idea to go to the one that is closest to you. Time is a very important component in treating urgent situations like these.
When to Go to Mason City Clinic
An easy way to determine when to visit urgent care is to evaluate the level of emergency. Urgent care clinics do not handle emergencies. The CDC released a study in 2011 that showed 48% of patients who went to the emergency room for treatment di so because their doctor’s office was not open.
People who visit the emergency room in non-emergency situations can clog up the ER making it more difficult to provide care to people who are in life or death situations. The ER is not a place to receive after-hours care for minor injuries.
Many urgent care facilities can handle minor injuries right away. Injuries that are not emergencies or life-threatening can be treated at an urgent care clinic.
Some of the symptoms that can be treated at an urgent care clinic include fever, rash, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
If you are wheezing or have shortness of breath it is a good idea to go to an urgent clinic. Dehydration and flu-like symptoms can be treated at a clinic. They can also take care of sprains, strains, and small cuts.
If you repeatedly have urinary tract infections or if your child has come down with an ear infection try calling your primary care physician to see if it is possible to get an appointment for the same day. No one knows you or your child’s health history as well as your regular doctor.
They may be able to recommend treatment options that worked for you in the past. They can quickly assess any other conditions that you may have that could lead to your symptoms.
Urgent care facilities are not a substitute for your primary care doctor but they are an excellent choice if your doctor is unavailable.
When to Call 911
Even when it is obviously clear that a loved one needs emergency care it isn’t always clear when you need to call 911 or drive yourself to the emergency room.
Lots of people are nervous to call 911. It’s understandable to be nervous but you would rather be on the safe side.
You should never drive yourself the ER if you are experiencing chest pains, severe bleeding. If your vision is blurred or you feel like you may pass out it is a good idea to call 911 and have an ambulance take you to the hospital.
Never drive impaired. It can be very dangerous to try to drive yourself in these situations. Call 911 and ask for an ambulance to quickly transport you safely to the nearest emergency room for treatment.
For major emergencies such as a heart attack or stoke calling 911 is the right decision. Paramedics will arrive on the scene and can deliver life-saving treatment while you are en route to the hospital.
For many, this can be the difference between life and death.
Be Prepared for Life’s Injuries
Injuries and illness are just a part of life. They happen to everyone. Knowing if you need to go to the emergency room or Mason City clinic can help you and your loved ones get the care they need without clogging up our resources that provide care for the critically injured.
Quick Care Urgent Clinic provides urgent care to Mason City, Iowa residents. They are open weekdays from 9 am to 7 pm and on the weekends from 9 am to 4 pm.
Book an appointment online now to receive quick care at a price that you can afford.