The Problem with Using Emergency and Urgent Care as Primary Care
Written by Brandon Ruse
As millennials, we often juggle busy schedules and demanding lifestyles, which can sometimes lead us to rely on emergency care facilities to treat our unexpected health issues because they provide medical attention at a rapid rate.
While this approach may provide immediate relief, it's essential to understand the distinctions between emergency care, urgent care, and primary care to make informed healthcare decisions that promote long-term well-being. In this blog, we’ll discuss urgent care versus primary care, and which might be the best option for your particular situation.
Nicholas Romano, PA, knows the differences in these types of care firsthand. He is an emergency medicine physician assistant, who has seen young patients try to use the emergency department, as their primary provider.
“Truthfully, if you come into the ER with a primary care problem, you’re not going to get the answers you want,” he told us. “Although you get to see the doctor right away, the ER is limited in the tests it can perform.”
Understanding Emergency Care
Emergency care is designed to address life-threatening situations that require immediate attention. From severe injuries to sudden health crises, emergency rooms are equipped to handle critical cases. However, relying on the emergency room for non-urgent issues may lead to longer wait times and higher costs, affecting both your health and your wallet.
Understanding Urgent Care
Urgent care, on the other hand, provides immediate medical attention for non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries that require prompt treatment. Common examples of conditions treated in urgent care settings include flu symptoms, minor fractures, and infections that need immediate attention but aren't severe enough for an emergency room visit.
Urgent care facilities are well-suited to handle a wide range of medical issues, offering convenience and quick medical attention without the need for prior appointments. In fact, “Millennials make up 25% of all visits to urgent care clinics”, according to a 2019 Harmony Healthcare IT survey.
What's the Difference between Urgent Care and the Emergency Room?
It's essential to understand the differences between urgent care and emergency rooms to make healthcare choices that are most appropriate for the symptoms you are experiencing. Urgent care can be a viable option for non-emergency situations, offering quicker access to medical care without the longer wait times typically associated with emergency departments. For less severe medical issues, urgent care centers can provide suitable and cost-effective care.
While primary care is still a semi-popular choice among some millennials, urgent care is becoming increasingly popular due to the lack of perceived time and many other factors millennials deal with daily.
Here are a few interesting statistics about the use of primary care physicians by millennials:
A national poll of 1,200 randomly selected adults conducted in July 2018 by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 45 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds had no primary care provider.
A recent study showed that “younger generations like millennials and Gen Z were even more likely (71% and 69%, respectively)” to visit the ER if they couldn’t get in quickly enough for an appointment at a doctor’s office.
The study also found that “33% of Americans had gone to the ER for non-urgent medical care, and 14% view the ER as their primary care doctor.”
Common Conditions Suited for Emergency Care Settings
Emergency care facilities are equipped to handle immediate treatment and evaluation of severe injuries and life-threatening conditions. This makes them the ideal setting when you are experiencing conditions that require timely care, management, and potential life-saving interventions.
A few of the possible common conditions that might lead you to visit an emergency room when you are seeking care are:
Severe injuries, such as fractures, dislocations, or deep lacerations
Chest pain or symptoms of a heart attack: Chest pain can be indicative of a serious heart condition that requires urgent medical attention.
Difficulty breathing or sudden shortness of breath: Respiratory distress demands immediate attention.
Suspected stroke or sudden onset of neurological symptoms: Any signs of a stroke, such as sudden weakness, slurred speech, or loss of balance, require immediate medical evaluation in an emergency setting to minimize potential damage.
Common Conditions Suited for Primary Care Settings
Compared to emergency care settings, primary care settings typically deal with more routine conditions and diagnostic tests (tests that are used to identify common chemical or biological markers in the blood or in the body that show the presence or absence of disease) such as the following:
Routine check-ups and preventive care, including vaccinations and screenings: Primary care providers offer comprehensive preventive care and can help millennials maintain their overall health with regular check-ups and appropriate vaccinations.
Minor injuries, like sprains, strains, and minor burns: Primary care settings can manage and treat minor injuries, providing necessary care without the need for emergency room visits.
Skin conditions, including rashes, minor allergic reactions, or acne: Non-urgent skin conditions can be effectively managed by primary care providers, who can offer appropriate treatments and recommendations.
Follow-up care and medication management for stable health conditions: Primary care providers can monitor and manage chronic health conditions, ensuring proper medication adherence and necessary adjustments in treatment plans.
Note: This isn’t an exhaustive list; as always, you should follow your physician’s recommendations. Remember that urgent care settings can be a viable option for emergency situations.
Factors Influencing the Use of Emergency and Urgent Care as Primary Care
Many millennials find themselves frequently turning to emergency care as their primary option due to several factors, such as limited access to primary care providers, financial concerns, and the perception of quicker care in emergency settings. While emergency care may seem convenient in the moment, a reliance on this approach may lead to fragmented healthcare and potential delays in addressing less urgent medical needs.
Emergency or Urgent Care vs Primary Care
When considering your healthcare options, it's essential to understand the differences between emergency/urgent care and primary care. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages that can significantly impact your overall healthcare experience.
Advantages
One of the significant advantages of emergency and urgent care is the ability to receive medical attention promptly without scheduling appointments. This is particularly beneficial when dealing with sudden illnesses or minor injuries that require immediate evaluation and treatment.
Availability of Diagnostic Tools and Resources in Emergency and Urgent Care Settings: Emergency and urgent care facilities are equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and resources that enable swift and accurate assessments. These include X-ray machines, laboratory services, and access to other critical medical equipment, enabling timely diagnosis and appropriate care.
Flexibility in Operating Hours, Including Evenings and Weekends: Emergency and urgent care centers often operate beyond regular business hours, offering extended availability on evenings, weekends, and holidays. This flexibility ensures you can seek medical attention even when your primary care provider's office may be closed.
Disadvantages
Higher Costs Compared to Primary Care Providers: A notable disadvantage of seeking care in emergency and urgent care settings is the potential for higher costs compared to visits to primary care providers. These facilities are designed to address immediate and urgent medical needs, which may result in higher fees and co-pays.
Potential Overcrowding and Longer Wait Times in Emergency Departments: Emergency departments can become crowded, especially during peak hours or when dealing with multiple critical cases. As a result, patients may experience longer wait times, which can be frustrating when seeking immediate care.
Lack of Continuity of Care and Comprehensive Health Management: Unlike primary care providers who offer comprehensive health management and build long-term relationships with patients, emergency and urgent care settings may lack continuity of care. This can lead to fragmented healthcare and limited follow-up on ongoing health issues.
Nicholas Romano, PA
“The purpose of the ER is to treat emergencies, so if you don’t come in with an emergency, don’t be surprised if you get discharged without your questions answered. Romano said. “It’s unfortunate that people try to use the ER as their primary care provider, because it doesn’t work. Primary care is designed for management of chronic disease and disease prevention. The ER is designed for management of acute problems.”
He understands that it can be difficult to get in with a primary care doctor quickly, but that is how things are right now. His recommendation: “Make your appointment for one month from now and make sure you go!”
Strategies for Utilizing Emergency and Urgent Care Appropriately
For a smoother healthcare journey and to use emergency and urgent care wisely, here are some tips that can help you make informed decisions:
A. Knowing When to Seek Emergency and Urgent Care:
It's crucial to be aware of the situations that warrant a visit to emergency and urgent care facilities. Save these options for true emergencies and pressing medical needs. This ensures that those who need immediate attention can receive it promptly.
“If you have a legitimate concern that you are experiencing an emergency, go to the ED, no questions asked. If you think your issue is NOT an emergency and can wait a week or so, look to go to a primary care provider,” Romano recommended.
B. Valuing Regular Check-ups and Primary Care:
Establishing a relationship with a primary care provider is key. Regular check-ups and preventive care go a long way in maintaining your health. They can catch potential issues early on and help you manage your well-being over the long term, reducing the chances of emergencies.
C. Coordinating Care Between Providers:
Encouraging smooth communication between emergency/urgent care providers and your primary care doctor is important. This collaboration ensures that essential medical information is shared accurately. By working together, they can make well-informed decisions about your care.
Empower Your Health Journey - Choose Wisely!
By understanding the advantages and disadvantages of emergency/urgent care versus primary care and using appropriate strategies to choose the type of care you seek, you can navigate your healthcare options wisely, prioritize your well-being, and make informed decisions about your medical needs. Remember, your health is valuable, and the right healthcare choices can positively impact your overall quality of life.
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