What Every Immigrant Needs to Know
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Health and Medical 45) The Emergency Room (ER)
Know the location of an emergency room (ER) close to your home. ERs have to treat a patient in immediate medical need, including people who cannot pay. Emergency rooms are open 24 hours a day. The ER can be expensive, especially if you don’t have health insurance. If you do not need emergency care, call a local clinic or your doctor to make an appointment. Some conditions that may require immediate medical attention include: - Difficulty breathing. - Fainting or sudden dizziness. - Changes in vision. - Sudden or severe pain. - Pain or pressure in your chest. - Bleeding that will not stop. Information you share with doctors, nurses and hospital workers is kept confidential.
47) The Healthcare System
There are many options for health insurance. Some employers pay for part or all of their employees’ health insurance costs. Buying your own health insurance can be expensive, but it can reduce large medical bills. Here are some words you should understand: - Premiums – the amount you pay monthly. - Copay – the fee you pay every time you receive medical services, such as $30 for a regular visit or $100 for the ER. Your insurance pays for the rest of the basic service. - Deductible – the amount that you have to pay for expenses before your insurance pays anything. Most communities have clinics and Public Health departments that offer affordable health care. Your children may be able to get free or lowcost health care through a state Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Each state has its own Medicaid and CHIP rules, so it is important to find out about the program in your state. For information, call 1-877-543-7669 or visit www.insurekidsnow.gov.
48) Filling Out Medical Forms
When you see a doctor or fill out medical forms they will ask about: - Allergies you have to medications. - Health history and family health conditions. - How much you drink and smoke. - Medications you are taking.
49) Communicating With Doctors
46) Urgent Care Centers
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Urgent care centers treat patients who have an injury or illness that requires immediate care but is not serious enough to visit to an ER. Urgent care can be faster and less expensive than a visit to the ER. Urgent care centers are usually not open all the time.
You can ask for an interpreter. It can be difficult if your children are responsible for translating for health situations Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor questions about anything. Questions you can ask may include: - When should I start to feel better? - How can I prevent this from happening again? - Are there symptoms I should look for?
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