CNN: What should you do if you don’t have a primary care provider?
Wen: It’s crucial to have a primary care provider. Many people have insurance but haven’t selected a primary care provider. Now is the time to schedule an appointment before you get sick. Uninsured individuals should seek out community health centers in their area and establish care. Local and state health departments can also help connect you with providers who treat uninsured patients at low or no cost.
CNN: What are the benefits of having a primary care provider?
Wen: This leads me to my next point. Everyone should have a plan with their doctor on where to seek care. Many providers offer same-day visits, either in person or through telemedicine. Knowing how to access this care can save you time and money. Find out where you would go for emergencies if your provider doesn’t offer same-day visits. Does your provider have admitting privileges at a hospital? In that case, you may want to go to that hospital’s ER if you fall ill. Check if your insurance distinguishes between urgent care and ER visits. It might be more cost-effective to visit urgent care for minor issues. When you’re unwell, you might not be in the best position to decide where to go. Have a plan in place and ensure that your family members are aware of it too.
CNN: How can we avoid unnecessary ER visits?
Wen: My next suggestion is to secure your medications, including over-the-counter drugs. This is especially important if you have children at home or visiting. Each year, around 35,000 ER visits in the US are due to accidental medication overdoses in children under 5, with over 90% resulting from unsupervised access to medicines. Locking up your medications also prevents them from being misused or stolen. Just as people lock up liquor and firearms for safety, securing medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, is a wise practice.
CNN: When should you head to the ER?
Wen: This brings me to my fifth tip, which is to go to the ER immediately if you experience symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. In such cases, do not delay by seeking a same-day appointment or going to urgent care. Call 911 and go directly to the ER. Warning signs of a heart attack include chest pain, shortness of breath, and sudden arm, back, neck, or jaw pain. For strokes, remember the acronym BE FAST: Balance issues, Eye problems, Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Slurred speech, and Time to note when symptoms began. While it’s important not to avoid the ER when necessary, taking preventive measures can reduce the chances of severe illness and the need for emergency care.
For more CNN updates and newsletters, sign up at CNN.com.
Please complete the provided text to match the original. Please ensure that the text is kept in its entirety and not shortened. Adhere to spelling and grammar rules, and do not leave any sentences incomplete.
