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ED, EXPRESS CARE OR DOCTOR’S OFFICE?
Choosing the right level of care
DR . HANIFF OFFERED THESE TIPS FOR DECIDING WHETHER AN ILLNESS OR
INJURY REQUIRES A VISIT TO ACMC’S EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT, EXPRESS
CARE OR A PHYSICIAN’S OFFICE.
CHOOSE ACMC’S
EMERGENCY
DEPARTMENT
These types of situations
require immediate medical
care:
✓
Bleeding that cannot be
stopped.
✓
Coughing up or vomiting
blood.
✓
Drug overdose or suspected
poisoning.
✓
Extreme emotional distress
including suicidal or homicidal
thoughts.
✓
Head injury or major injury
to the body or limbs.
✓
Injuries caused by violence
such as gunshot wounds.
✓
Loss of consciousness.
✓
Severe burns.
✓
Signs of a heart attack
or stroke (sudden, severe
pain; chest discomfort; loss
of muscle control; difficulty
breathing or speaking).
✓
Sudden fall.
✓
Sudden paralysis.
✓
Vehicle crash.
CHOOSE
EXPRESS CARE
ACMC’s Express Care provides
care for nonemergency
injuries or illnesses for anyone
ages two and up. Types of
situations where Express Care
is appropriate include:
✓
Bites, stings and rashes
(as well as other minor skin
conditions).
✓
Cellulitis.
✓
Cold and flu.
✓
Conjunctivitis and styes.
✓
Cuts, scrapes and bruises.
✓
Earaches.
✓
Infections (sinus, upper
respiratory, urinary tract, ear,
nose and throat).
✓
Minor back and shoulder
pain (without history of
trauma).
✓
Seasonal allergies.
✓
Shingles, ringworm and
impetigo.
✓
Simple sprains and strains.
✓
Sports injuries.
✓
Stomach aches.
CHOOSE
PRIMARY CARE
Your primary care physician
is there for first diagnosis and
continuing care for a variety
of acute and chronic health
concerns. They also provide
health education, wellness
checkups, screenings and
specialist referrals. If you are
an established patient, your
physician may also be able to
see you for:
✓
Checkup before you begin a
new exercise program or prior
to travel.
✓
Colds, flu and sinus
problems that do not go away
after 10 days.
✓
Recurring pain such as
frequent headaches.
✓
Renewal of prescriptions.
✓
Suspected pregnancy
(schedule an appointment
with your OB-GYN).
To schedule an appointment
with a family physician or
nurse practitioner call
440-997-6969
.
MOST PEOPLE
recognize an emergency—heart attack,
broken bone, serious burn—but where do you go if you
have a minor illness or injury?
“There are times when an Emergency Department visit
is appropriate, but many illnesses and injuries can be seen
at Express Care. You should see your family practitioner
for wellness issues such as chronic disease management or
illnesses that linger longer than 10 days,” said Ashtabula
County Medical Center (ACMC) Emergency Department
Medical Director Imraan Haniff, MD. “Another benefit of
choosing any of these services is that your medical records
are maintained in MyChart, so you and your family
practitioner have access to the tests and treatment.”
The right level of care can also save you time and money.
Some insurance companies charge different rates for
urgent care, while Express Care is the same co-pay as a
doctor’s office visit under most plans. Ask your insurance
provider for details about your plan and your co-pay.
ACMC Healthcare System President and CEO Michael
Habowski said, “Our Express Care is the only facility
that is backed by a full-service Emergency Department
under the guidance of one of the best ER physicians in
northeast Ohio. ACMC Express Care offers convenient
locations around the county, and our physicians and
nurse practitioners ensure that if you need further
treatment beyond your initial office visit, they refer you
to a physician or service at ACMC, so you receive the best
treatment right here in Ashtabula County.”
Feel better
now!
ACMC Express Care
has three walk-in
locations. Visit
www.acmchealth
.org/expresscare
for details. Or for
an appointment
with a family
practitioner, call
440-997-6969
.
You do not need an appointment to visit
ACMC’s Emergency Department or Express Care.
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ACMC Pulse •
www.acmchealth.org