5 minute read
Health: Emergency Room and Urgent Care; Q&A with Richard Engel MD
Emergency Room and Urgent Care Q&A with Richard Engel, MD
By RAK Staff
What is the difference between an urgent care and emergency
room? An urgent care center typically has the resources to care for minor illnesses or injuries that occur after hours and can’t wait until seeing your primary care provider the following day. An emergency department is best for more severe or life-threatening situations at any time. Though an ED can likely also treat less serious conditions, there are often higher costs and possibly longer wait times in that setting for those less severe situations. Additionally, not all urgent care centers or emergency departments are the same. Some may have more pediatric specific expertise or resources than others. Likewise, the testing and services offered can differ. Your primary provider is always the best resource to help decide whether your situation can wait until seeing them the next day or whether your child should be seen at an urgent care or emergency department.
What are the benefits of utilizing
urgent care? An urgent care visit is often less costly than an ED visit and sometimes wait times are shorter for less serious conditions. That is because the ED will also be seeing patients with more serious conditions who need care more rapidly. In the Emergency Department a triage system ensures those sickest patients are attended to the soonest. However, if facing a severe or life-threatening condition, an urgent care may not be able to provide the level of care that is needed without certain equipment, specialists or other resources that may be needed rapidly in such circumstances.
Are pediatric urgent care locations better for kids? How so?
Pediatric patients are generally best served by pediatric trained providers and facilities set up for children. Such pediatric-specific locations and providers (whether primary care, urgent care, or emergency care) have special training, experience and facilities for children. Of course, in some emergent situations, the nearest emergency room is best—particularly in the types of scenarios where a 911 call and ambulance are needed. Families should also be aware that centers that refer to themselves as pediatric-specific may mean different things. For example, some may be staffed primarily by general providers and just have a child-friendly waiting area; others may have some resources especially for children but not others; while other facilities care exclusively for children. Your primary pediatrician is your best resource to navigate this as they likely know the various options in the area and can help direct you to the best care for your situation.
When should we go to the ER? When is an urgent care
appropriate? Examples of when urgent care is often a good choice are some of the following when your primary doctor’s office is closed: • Allergic reactions without trouble breathing • Fever (if older than 60 days old, otherwise go to the ED) • Bumps, cuts and scrapes • Minor head injury without vomiting • Ear pain • Sore throat • Stitches • Sprains and strains Examples of when the emergency room is often the best choice: • Difficulty breathing • Severe head trauma • Broken bone • Fever for infants less than 60 days old • Loss of consciousness or being unable to respond • Seizure • Severe bleeding • Severe abdominal pain
How can I be prepared for an ER visit and what to bring? It is always
helpful to have a list of medications your child is taking. Also, make sure someone is present who is familiar with your child’s medical history and any active medical issues, and don’t forget to bring your insurance information. If you have time, bring your child a snack/bottle and a simple activity to keep them occupied in case of a wait time. For conditions requiring an ED evaluation where being admitted to the hospital may be a possibility, consider packing a few things like a change of clothes and toiletries.
Dr. Richard Engel is a Pediatric Hospitalist at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Associate Division Chief of the division of Hospital Medicine. He is board certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Hospital Medicine and is active in the Arizona chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) where he currently serves on the Board of Directors. Raising Arizona Kids partners with the Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics to bring evidence-based child-health information to our communities.
GIVING the gift of a LOVE of LEARNING!
Self Development Preschool and Academy offers rigorous private Pre-K and a public in-person and online tuition-free charter school that has a K-8 curriculum.
Pre-K to 2nd grade
An unparalleled Early Literacy Program where children are prepared for school success and beyond. • Early Literacy Reading • Early Literacy Writing • Early Literacy Mathematics
Give your child a strong foundation in reading, writing, mathematics, and critical thinking. Our K-2 program offers enrichment and exciting experiences.
3-8 Grade and Online School
Children learn at one to two grade levels higher. They take geometry and algebra courses in middle school. They are immersed in advanced high school literature in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade levels. Logic and Reasoning stimulate their thinking. Self Development Academy’s goal for the coming year is to lay a strong foundation for an early literacy program. Inquire about how we can help your child develop a love of learning, become an avid reader, and acquire mathematical thinking.
Parent Testimony: ”It was a bittersweet day when my child graduated 8th grade from Self Development Academy (SDA) last week. It was exciting to see him go on to the next chapter in his life, but it meant his time at SDA was over. He has attended SDA since he was a toddler at Self Development Preschool. SDA has given him the knowledge he needs to be successful as he moves on. He will be attending a large, public high school in their STEM diploma program. He is prepared and will be taking Honors Algebra II and Honors Biology among his classes as a freshman. Thank you, SDA, for preparing my son for the next chapter in his life.”
For more information, please call Self Development Academy or Self Development Preschool at 480-641-2640 or visit SelfDevelopmentAcademy.com
Enroll Now for Fall 2022-23
Self Development Preschool (Private) 480-396-3522 1721 N. Greenfield Road, Mesa, AZ 85205
Self Development Academy -Mesa (K-8) 480-641-2640 1709 N. Greenfield Road, Mesa, AZ 85205
Self Development Online Academy (K-8) 1709 North Greenfield, Mesa, AZ 85205, 480-641-2640
Self Development Academy-Phoenix (K-8) 602-274-1910 1515 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014
SCAN THIS CODE TO GO DIRECTLY TO
