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Follow-Up Care After an Emergency Visit
Why Follow-Up Care Is Important
Taking care of your health after an emergency visit is very important. The emergency room helps with immediate problems, but follow-up care is needed to stay healthy and avoid future issues. Even if you feel better after leaving the emergency room, it’s still important to follow your care plan.
What to Do Before Leaving the Emergency Room:
- Understand Your Care Plan: Ask the staff to explain your discharge instructions so you know what to do next. Make sure you know what signs to watch for and what to do if problems come up.
- Learn About Your Medications: If you are given medicine, make sure you know how to take it and what it’s for. If you don’t understand something, ask before you leave.
- Schedule Follow-Up Care: Before you leave, make an appointment with your primary care provider (PCP) or a specialist. It’s important to see them within 7 days, even if you feel better. This helps make sure you’re healing properly.
- Know Who to Call: If your PCP isn’t available right away, check your insurance card for a telehealth option or nurse line. These services can provide quick advice. If those options aren’t accessible, go to the nearest urgent care center for help.
- Ask About Resources: If you need help getting care, ask about support services or programs that can assist you before you leave the emergency room. You can also contact your health plan or your primary care provider for more information.
Why Follow-Up Visits Help
Seeing your provider after an emergency visit helps you stay healthy. At your follow-up visit, your provider can:
- Check how you are healing.
- Adjust your medications or treatment if needed.
- Help you manage your condition at home.
- Make sure you don’t need to return to the emergency room.
Your follow-up visit is a chance to ask questions and make sure you are on the right track.
How to Find a Provider:
- Use the Find a Doctor or Pharmacy tool to find a doctor near you.
- You can also use telehealth to meet with a provider online. This can save you time and help you get care from home.
If You Have New Problems:
If your symptoms worsen or new issues arise, contact your provider or visit the nearest urgent care or emergency room. For any life-threatening emergencies, call 911 immediately.
Your Health Is Important
Follow-up care is a key step in staying healthy after an emergency visit. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to see your provider to avoid future problems.