It’s a decision that can challenge even experienced patients: Go to the emergency room or wait until my doctor’s office opens?
It seems straightforward: If you might have a condition that puts your health—or life—in jeopardy if left untreated, GO!
Severe symptoms make the decision easier because you want relief AND the possibility of something serious feels more likely. Mild or tolerable symptoms make the decision tougher, with COMPETING DESIRES:
TO GO TO ER: to get a diagnosis, to get better faster, and to avoid serious illness due to waiting too long.
TO WAIT: to avoid the ER (long waits; exposure to others’ illness; medical bills; tests) and to avoid a false alarm—i.e., finding out it could have waited.
Better to err on the side of caution, which is easier said than done if insurance coverage is an issue, you are a caregiver and can’t leave children/infirm adults, or….
To make it easier:
Think about the “cost” if you delay needed treatment. You don’t want to regret missing the opportunity for easier treatment and/or a better outcome.
Acknowledge the uncertainty. Remind yourself: “The only way to know is an evaluation.”
Acknowledge the costs. Remind yourself: The ER-visit ordeal is better than the ordeal caused by delaying too long.
Importantly, if ER doctors conclude you are okay and can follow-up with your regular doctor:
Celebrate that you are okay—at least for now. If symptoms get worse, do NOT wait until the office opens. Go back to the ER.
Do not berate yourself for having gone in. When you follow up with your doctors, ask best response if the same situation arises.
[These posts are not a substitute for competent medical care. They serve only to supplement information provided by your healthcare team.]