Emergencies always happen without warning. Whether you arrived in the United States recently or have lived here for years, it is important to understand in advance how the emergency medical system works. That lets you make the right decision faster, get the treatment you need and avoid unnecessary mistakes.
The American health system is different from the one many people are used to. There are different levels of care here, and the choice between calling an ambulance, going to an Emergency Room and going to Urgent Care depends on the situation.
When you need to call 911
911 is the single emergency number in the United States. It is used when there is an immediate threat to a person's life or health.
The operator will send the service needed — ambulance, police or fire — depending on the situation.
Call 911 for:
- loss of consciousness;
- severe chest pain;
- suspected stroke;
- serious injuries;
- heavy bleeding;
- difficulty breathing;
- severe allergic reactions;
- road accidents with casualties;
- seizures;
- large burns.
If life is at risk, it is better not to try to get to hospital yourself.
How an ambulance call works
After you call, the operator will ask several questions:
- what happened;
- the exact address;
- the patient's age;
- whether the person is conscious;
- whether they are breathing;
- whether there is any danger to others.
It is important to answer calmly and as precisely as possible. In many cases the operator stays on the line until the medics arrive and can give first-aid instructions.
What an Emergency Room is
Emergency Room (ER) is a hospital's emergency department. This is where patients with serious injuries, heart attacks, strokes and other dangerous conditions are taken. ERs work around the clock, every day.
Patients are seen regardless of insurance or immigration status. In an emergency a hospital has no right to refuse the care that is needed.
Why waiting times vary
Many people are surprised that even after arriving at an Emergency Room they are not seen at once. The reason is triage. Every patient is first assessed by a medical worker who determines how urgent the case is. Patients whose lives are at risk are treated first. If a condition can wait, the wait may be several hours. This is normal practice in most American hospitals.
When Urgent Care is the better choice
Not every problem requires an Emergency Room. In many cases going to an Urgent Care centre is quicker and cheaper. These centres help with conditions that need a doctor soon but are not life-threatening.
For example:
- high fever;
- infections;
- sore throat;
- ear infections;
- minor fractures;
- sprains;
- cuts needing stitches;
- minor burns.
The wait at Urgent Care is usually considerably shorter, and the cost of treatment lower.
If the situation is not urgent
For mild symptoms it is better to contact your family doctor (Primary Care Physician) first.
They can:
- examine you;
- prescribe treatment;
- write a referral to a specialist;
- issue the prescriptions you need.
This is the most economical way of getting medical care.
What to do if you have no insurance
Many people worry about whether they can be treated without medical insurance. In an emergency you will be treated regardless of whether you have a policy. After treatment, however, the patient receives a bill for the services provided.
If you have no insurance, it is worth:
- asking for an itemised statement of charges;
- contacting the hospital's financial department;
- asking about possible discounts;
- discussing payment by instalments;
- asking whether there are charity care programmes.
Many hospitals are willing to reconsider the cost of treatment depending on the patient's financial position.
What to take to hospital
If the situation allows, it is advisable to have with you:
- identification;
- your insurance card;
- a list of the medicines you take;
- information about allergies;
- a contact for a close relative;
- documents about chronic conditions, if you have any.
If the patient is brought by ambulance, a lack of documents will not be a reason to refuse treatment.
Medical insurance and emergency care
Most insurance plans cover the Emergency Room, but the terms can differ.
Find out in advance:
- the amount of the co-pay;
- whether a deductible applies;
- which hospitals are in your insurance network;
- whether ambulance transport is covered.
Even with insurance, part of the cost may remain with the patient.
Emergency medicines
After treatment the doctor may prescribe medicines. If treatment is needed immediately, many hospitals give the first doses before you go to a pharmacy. The rest can be obtained at the nearest pharmacy once the prescription is issued.
Important features of the system
Several important rules are worth remembering.
- The Emergency Room is only for genuinely serious cases.
- Patients are seen by the severity of their condition, not by the time they arrived.
- Urgent Care is suitable for most non-dangerous illnesses and injuries.
- The family doctor remains the main provider for regular medical care.
- Emergency care is given regardless of insurance or immigration status.
How to prepare in advance
Even if you are in perfect health, it is worth preparing for a possible emergency.
It helps to know in advance:
- the address of the nearest Emergency Room;
- where the nearest Urgent Care is;
- your doctor's number;
- the terms of your insurance policy;
- and to keep a list of your medicines on your phone.
Preparation of this kind saves a great deal of time in a critical situation.
Emergency medical care in the United States is built so that everyone can get the treatment they need regardless of citizenship, insurance or immigration status. The main thing is to understand when to call 911, when to go to an Emergency Room, and when Urgent Care or a family doctor is enough.
Learning how the system works in advance lets you find your bearings faster in a difficult situation, get help without unnecessary stress and avoid unnecessary costs.
End of the article.
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