When to Visit a Clinic vs. the Emergency Room
When a health concern arises, it can be difficult to know where to go for care. Should you visit a Health by Design clinic, or should you head straight to the Emergency Room?
Choosing the right place for care can help you receive treatment quickly and appropriately. While many illnesses, injuries, and routine medical concerns can be treated at a clinic, some symptoms require immediate emergency care.
A simple way to remember when emergency care may be needed is ABCD: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, and Disability.
If you experience any new or sudden symptoms affecting any of these areas, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest Emergency Room immediately.
Remember the ABCDs of Emergency Care
Knowing the ABCDs can help you recognize symptoms that may require immediate medical attention.
A - Airway Emergencies
Seek emergency care for symptoms including:
Choking
Inability to swallow
Severe allergic reactions causing swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
If you experience any new or sudden symptoms affecting your airway, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest Emergency Room immediately.
B - Breathing Emergencies
Seek emergency care for symptoms including:
Severe shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing
Sudden wheezing
Inability to catch your breath
If you experience any new or sudden symptoms affecting your breathing, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest Emergency Room immediately.
C - Circulation Emergencies
Seek emergency care for symptoms including:
Chest pain or pressure
Uncontrolled bleeding
Fainting or loss of consciousness
Serious burns, trauma, or major injury
If you experience any new or sudden symptoms affecting your circulation, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest Emergency Room immediately.
D - Disability (Brain & Mind) Emergencies
Seek emergency care for symptoms including:
Sudden numbness, weakness, or paralysis, especially on one side of the body
Facial drooping
Slurred speech
Sudden confusion
Seizures or convulsions
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors, call 9-1-1, go to the nearest Emergency Room, or call or text 988 for immediate support.
When a Clinic May Be the Right Place
Not every health concern requires a trip to the Emergency Room. Health by Design clinics are often the right choice for non-emergency medical needs, including:
Routine illnesses: Care for common illnesses and everyday health concerns.
Preventive care: Wellness visits and proactive support to help you stay healthy.
Chronic condition management: Ongoing care and support for chronic health conditions.
Minor injuries: Treatment for non-life-threatening injuries and concerns.
Follow-up care: Continued care and ongoing treatment to support your health.
When in Doubt, Don't Delay
Knowing where to go can help ensure you receive the right care at the right time.
Remember the ABCDs: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, and Disability. If you experience new or sudden symptoms involving any of these areas, don't wait to seek emergency care.
For routine illnesses, preventive care, chronic condition management, minor injuries, and other non-emergency concerns, your Health by Design clinic is here to support you.
