Medical Care

Since I am working again as a nurse, I thought I would share some insights on medical care.  I work in an urgent care clinic and in the past I worked at a rural hospital.  The first thing I want to tell people is that if someone is going to be in charge of their health, it should be them.  Staying healthy is not always easy -- injuries or infectious illnesses happen -- but for much of the rest of your health you can be in charge. Diabetes, cardiac problems, stress, kidney, gall bladder, stomach, joint and back problems, STD's,  some cancer issues can all be related to lifestyle. If people take care of their own health, they get to make all the decisions and it doesn't cost much of anything compared to medications and treatments. 
Second, avoid the hospital and ER as much as you can.  Urgent care clinics -- even the small rural one where I work -- can provide much of the care that an emergency room provides.  We can give IVs, sew up lacerations, do initial work on simple fractures.  An emergency room is set up to save your life, even bring you back if your heart stops and they will charge you for that ability even if you just need a butterfly bandage on your boo boo.  Most estimates I have seen are around $500 to walk in the door of an ER. 

If you come to urgent care and you really should have gone to the ER, trust me, we'll send you there.  I will say too -- if you are having chest pain or other signs of a heart attack go to the ER!

Third, unless you have a sudden high fever (over 102.5) or a sore neck and pounding head combo, wait to come in for an upper respiratory problem -- sore throat, run down, runny nose, cough.  You likely have a cold.  Wait a few days at least.  If your symptoms continue, worsen, or you develop clear signs of infections (green mucus, putrid smelling throat) then come in.  I know no one has time to be sick but we have not yet found a cure for the common cold.  It doesn't do you any good to come in. 

I am not heartless and I'm happy to see everyone who comes in.  I know it is hard to tell just how sick you might be.  But, if you want to save your co-pay, out of pocket or insurance pool money, think a little about where you will go when you need medical care.  

Stay well,

Latest Read -- Moneyless Man

I am reading The Moneyless Man by Mark Boyle.  The book chronicles his year of living without using or accepting any money for a year and his challenges to travel, feed himself, bathe himself, communicate and maintain his sanity during his moneyless year.  Very inspiring and occasionally funny.