No one goes to a hospital emergency room “just to visit.” If you make a trip to an ER, you have to be there because of an accident or an ailment that has taken a turn for the worse. With close to 137 million ER visits across the country (according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)), any trip to a hospital will mean waiting for care.
According to data collected by Axios, the average wait in a Pennsylvania ER is three hours. That puts it among the top ten states for the longest emergency room wait times. Just because you have to wait for care doesn’t mean that care will be substandard. However, you must be proactive when it comes to your own care.
The following are some ways you can advocate for yourself in the emergency room.
Bring Someone
It is beneficial to have someone with you in the emergency room. That person can be a friend, coworker, or family member. This person knows a bit about your medical history and will be able to speak up on your behalf if needed.
Bring Your Relevant Documentation
You must also bring your ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, and your insurance card. You’ll also want to have an updated list of medications. You should store that list on your cell phone, just in case. If you don’t have time, you can bring the actual prescription bottles.
If you’re not on any medications, then there is no worry, but any prescribed or over-the-counter medication that you regularly take could have an adverse effect on the medications you’re given at the ER. That is why you want to inform the staff what you’re taking.
You also want to have a list of any current medical problems that you’ve been diagnosed with, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Those can be essential factors in assessing what is going on and how you should be treated.
Be Succinct
You need to be succinct when discussing the issue that brought you to the ER. If this is a recurring ailment, you need to describe what changed so drastically that you needed to see a doctor. For instance, a minor ache in your leg that you had for weeks has suddenly made you incapable of standing, which is direct and to the point. The ER staff needs the facts.
Don’t Exaggerate
You don’t want to exaggerate your symptoms to be seen quickly. Doing so could risk your care and the care of others.
Think About These Questions
You need to have clear answers to the following questions:
What makes your symptoms worse?
For instance, could it be whenever you move in a certain way or after you eat or drink?
What makes them better?
If you’ve tried ice or heat on an ache and it temporarily alleviates the symptom, that can be helpful for the doctor to know.
What have you taken to improve your symptoms?
Have you taken aspirin or any other type of pain reliever to help with your symptoms?
Mention Your Concerns
Not only do you need to describe your symptoms, but you’re also encouraged to share your concerns, such as worrying about having a heart attack or appendicitis.
Be Prepared to Tell Your Story Repeatedly
When you arrive at the ER, you’ll be admitted to a reception where you’ll tell the story of what brought you there for the first time. Next, you’ll see a triage nurse who is going to take your vitals, and you’ll tell your story again. Then, you’ll see a doctor or doctor who will treat you, and you’ll repeat the story.
Keep in mind that there will also be a lot of patients, no matter when you visit the ER. Not everyone you share your story with will have a chance to tell it to the next person you encounter. Don’t get frustrated with this. The more people you inform, the better it will be for your treatment plan.
Be a Patient Patient
If you aren’t getting immediate care, it is most likely because someone is at greater risk. Although frustrating, you don’t want to begrudge someone into providing care. You will be moved up the list if you are in critical need.
Think of Your Comfort
If you have the opportunity, you’ll want to take what you need to be comfortable while you wait. That means your phone, iPad, headphones, and, most importantly, a charger.
Ask All Your Questions
If you’re not clear about something, ask. You don’t want any of your concerns to be unanswered. If you have to, record the conversation with your doctor so you will have it to refer to later.
Ask When You Should Come Back
After being discharged from the ER, there is always a risk of further complications. A stitched-up cut could become infected, or pain can return. You want to be sure to ask the doctor about the symptoms that would bring you back to the ER.
When Mistakes Are Made
Even after you’ve taken a proactive approach to your care, emergency room errors can still lead to further complications. When that happens, it could rise to the level of medical malpractice. That is when you want to speak with an attorney from Shrager, Sachs, & Blanco. We have dealt with various medical malpractice claims and successfully found compensation for our clients. The best decision to make about a course of action is an informed decision.
