DOCTOR’S OFFICE, EMERGENCY ROOM, URGENT CARE…….WHICH SHOULD I CHOOSE?
DOCTOR’S OFFICE
Our office can be reached by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week by phoning our office number. Making that call to us may help you avoid a trip to the emergency room or urgent care center. This allows for best coordination of your care by our office, and avoids costlier copays. We are proud to be your medical home, providing care for all of your medical needs, including well, preventive, sick and urgent care. We will guide you through every aspect of care. Same day sick visits are available any day the office is open. Because we know your medical issues best, we can deliver the best possible care and outcomes.
URGENT CARE
We recommend always calling us prior to using an urgent care center, as many services provided at urgent care are also available at our office. For most situations Monday-Friday you will be able to be seen by one of our providers the same day by calling ahead or arriving during our walk-in hours. On Saturdays please call soon after we open at 8am if you believe you need to be seen that morning. Don’t forget urgent care center copays are generally higher than those at our office. We understand that sometimes illness or convenience may prompt you to use an urgent care center. If you choose to use an urgent care center, please be sure to have them send a report to us to manage any needed follow up care.
EMERGENCY ROOM (ER)
If your emergency is not immediately life threatening and you feel you can safely wait to call us first, then we may be able to help you manage the situation by seeing you in the office or providing advice over the phone. Examples of problems that may best be managed in the emergency room include: severe symptoms of bleeding, chest pain, shortness of breath, and allergic reactions, as well as loss of consciousness or broken bones. In general we recommend using the ER at Chestnut Hill Hospital when that choice is possible. We are on staff at the hospital and can help coordinate your follow up care best when you use Chestnut Hill Hospital ER. When there is a life threatening emergency please call 911 or go directly to the nearest ER.