It can be hard to think straight and make good decisions when we’re feeling our best. How much harder it is to make wise choices when we are stressed, hurt, or sick! At any given time have a variety of choices to make about where we seek medical care. Do we choose our primary care physician and make an appointment, or do we go to an urgent care facility? When are circumstances dire enough to visit the emergency room? Let’s take some time this month to seek wisdom in decision making and learn where we should go for our medical needs!
Primary Care Physician
Your primary care physician (PCP), otherwise known as your family doctor, will likely be your number one source of medical care and information. God-willing you can be mostly healthy throughout a given year, and so you will visit your PCP for an annual wellness physical to ensure that you’re in good health, as well as receive or be recommended for any relevant screenings. Additionally, if you have a minor cold, injury, or general health question or concern, your PCP is the place to go!
Urgent Care
While your PCP is your usual spot, sometimes there are issues that you would visit your PCP for, but for whatever reason they are unavailable. If you sprain your ankle badly on vacation, or it’s the weekend or a holiday and you have a slight fever you just can’t kick, then visiting an Urgent Care facility is the way to go. While the name may sound confusing, Urgent Care is not for severe or life-threatening injuries or conditions.
Emergency Room
The clue is in the name here – the Emergency Room is for emergencies. Chest pain, symptoms of a stroke, difficulty breathing, severe head injury, broken bones, and critical wounds are a few of the extreme examples of when you should seek care in an Emergency Room. Think of it this way – if your life or limb is in immediate danger due to your medical condition, head to the ER. Otherwise, avoid the Emergency Room so that those who are experiencing life-threatening conditions can be taken care of appropriately, and so you won’t be waiting forever to receive care.
Explore Telehealth Options
Depending on your Liberty HealthShare program, you could have access to free, or for a small per visit fee, telehealth visits through DialCare. While not appropriate for all situations, using telehealth can be a convenient and effective way to receive care that you may obtain from your PCP or Urgent Care. As taught in Proverbs 9:11, making good choices is the start of good health!
