GUIDELINES FOR USING EMERGENCY ROOM SERVICES
Emergency Rooms are for medical emergency situations only.
You should not go to an emergency room for common
illnesses like an ear infection, diaper rash, or a cold.
You should call your doctor whenever you have questions or need
care. This is the best way to help your doctor take care of
you. Your doctor should provide you with a phone number that
you can use to get medical advice at any time, even nights and
weekends. If you or your child are sick after regular office
hours and you are concerned, you should call your doctor. You
can also call the 24 hour line at your health plan. They will
be able to give you medical advice and help you make a decision on
how to get the right care for your situation.
If it is a true emergency, do not wait to call your doctor
first! Some examples of a true emergency are: broken bones, bad
bleeding that cannot be stopped, or your child swallowing something
poisonous. A true emergency is not something like a common cold,
diaper rash, skin bumps, or a mild headache. If it is a true
emergency, the hospital will treat you and call your doctor
later.