Emergencies
If you don’t have a primary care provider (PCP) or can’t schedule an appointment, the emergency room might seem like a great alternative. However, the emergency room is only the best option for life-threatening illnesses or injuries. Plus, going to the ER will likely result in longer wait times for care and possibly additional fees for service.
Common Emergencies:
- Compound fracture, which involves a bone protruding through the skin
- Convulsions, seizures or loss of consciousness
- Deep knife wounds or gunshot wounds
- Fever in a newborn less than 3 months old
- Heavy, uncontrollable bleeding
- Moderate to severe burns
- Poisoning
- Pregnancy-related problems
- Serious head, neck or back injury
- Severe abdominal pain
- Severe chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Heart attack symptoms, such as chest pain that lasts longer than two minutes
- Stroke symptoms, such as vision loss, sudden numbness, weakness, slurred speech or confusion
- Suicidal or homicidal feelings
Things to Do Before Seeking Care:
- Call Medical Mutual’s Nurse Line for advice on where to direct your care.
- Make a list of existing medical conditions and current prescription medications.
- Have your Medical Mutual member ID card or the mobile app available.
- Check where the nearest in-network emergency room is located and how you would get there.
- Confirm who could watch your children or an elder family member on short notice if necessary.
- Know your options for translation services.