Corewell Health urges smart ER visits to reduce wait times
Corewell Health hospitals experience surge in flu-like symptom cases
Health professionals are cautioning to avoid the ER unless it is an emergency during this current spike in illnesses.
ROYAL OAK, Mich. (FOX 2) - It is a normal reaction to want to go to the hospital if someone is feeling ill or hurt, but some health experts warn that non-urgent hospital visits can lead to longer wait times.
What they're saying:
Corewell Health has sent out an urgent message as wait time increases in the emergency departments, as more people go in during flu season. Meanwhile, doctors say when patients take the appropriate steps for care, they can help eliminate the problem.
"The best thing is to try to make sure that your symptoms match your settings so that you go to the right place," said Dr. CJ Gibson.
"There’s differences in who should be coming to the ER versus who should be going to their regular doctor or primary care or an urgent care," said Dr. Matthew Sims. "If you just kinda have the aches and pains and fever associated with flu, that’s a good reason to call doctor, or go to an urgent care."
But there are times when a visit to the emergency department is required.
"If you’re having trouble breathing, if you are getting dehydrated because you’re so sick, if you are just not able to function, you can't carry out your activities of daily living that’s a reason to go to the emergency room," said Sims.
What you can do:
In fact, in some cases, you don’t even have to leave your couch for care. You can always set up a virtual visit with your doctor and receive the proper treatment and prescriptions.
If you are unsure of the appropriate setting for your medical care, contact your primary care physician.