Emergency rooms (ERs) save lives, but they're costly--and your wait can seem endless if your problem isn't urgent. Here's how to save time and money.
Find a regular doctor
A family doctor can gauge your health needs, provide preventive medicien and treat most health problems.
Manage chronic conditions
Illnesses like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease cause millions of ER visits. Work out a treatment plan with your doctor to reduce such trips.
Know what's an emergency
Reserve the ER for true emergencies. Examples include chest pain, arm or leg weakness, serious trouble breathing, major broken bones, allergic reactions, loss of consciousness, uncontrolled bleeding, poisoning, and head injuries. Ask your doctor (in advance, not in a potential emergency) if you aren't sure what should send you to an ER.
Take care of yourself
Staying healthy keeps you ER-free. Lose weight, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and don't smoke.
Source: Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, December 2012
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