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There are several different levels of medical care offered, and not everyone knows what is available to them or what the guidelines are for when each should be used. Primary Care Physician Primary care physicians are the backbone of medical care. They provide ongoing care for individuals and families than can span decades. Primary care providers diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. They’re also the initial point of contact for any new conditions that arise and will often refer their patients to specialists, such as cardiologists, orthopedists, or psychiatrists, for treatment of specific disorders and diseases. A primary care provider should be chosen thoughtfully as ideally you want to stay with the same provider for years, even decades, to monitor your health and manage ongoing conditions. Urgent Care Urgent care in Downey is an underutilized service. Many patients, if unable to see their primary care physician, often go to the ER. This can lead to long wait times and costlier services than had the patient gone to urgent care. Appropriate times to use urgent care are when you cannot get in to see your primary care physician, and your condition, while not an emergency, requires you to be seen relatively quickly. Here is a list of some of the conditions that would be appropriate for urgent care: - Sprains
- Lacerations requiring stitches
- Fever
- Gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting or diarrhea
- Cough, sore throat, and other cold or flu-like symptoms
- Skin infections
- Rashes
- Urinary tract infections
Emergency Care Emergency care entails exactly what it implies: an emergency. If a person’s life is in danger or there is the possibility of permanent impairment, then a trip to the ER is warranted. Here are some conditions which require a trip to the emergency room: - Chest pains
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Suicidal or homicidal ideation
- Pregnancy problems, such as bleeding or contractions
- Poisoning
- Severe burns
- Heavy bleeding
- Signs of stroke
- Neck, head, or spinal injury
911 For any immediate life-threatening situation, always dial 911. The operators are trained to properly assess and address all medical situations and will direct you to the appropriate channels. The different levels of health care can be confusing for those unfamiliar with them. Your primary care physician directs your ongoing medical care. Urgent care in Downey should be used when you cannot see your primary care provider but need medical care within 24 hours. Emergency care is when you have an immediate medical need due to an emergency, a life-threatening condition, or you risk permanent impairment. 911 is a lifeline for any life-threatening emergency. Knowing the different levels of care and when it is appropriate to use each one will help you navigate an often-confusing health care system.
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