The difference between an urgency and emergency Health Promotion and Education Program Rev. 2014 2014, MMM Healthcare, Inc. - PMC Medicare Choice, Inc. Reproduction of this material is prohibited. MP-HEP-PPT-701-01-020514-E M&P-PRD-TEM-030-032511-S
Objectives At the end of the presentation, you will be able to: Define the terms urgency and emergency Differentiate between the two concepts
Pre test 1. An urgency is: a. Health situation that requires immediate attention, but does not put the life of someone at risk b. Controlled health situation 2. If an urgent health situation occurs: a. Stay at home b. Seek immediate medical care
Pre test 3. An emergency condition is: a. A health situation that occurs suddenly and requires immediate treatment or care b. A sore throat 4. It is beneficial to visit your physician s office: a. Because they know your health conditions and can monitor your health b. Because it's more comfortable
Did you know According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) every year 23.5% of people over the age of 65 in the US visit an emergency room at least 2 times a year 136.1 million people visit emergency rooms annually These patients are treated for a wide variety of medical conditions
What s an urgency? Health situation that requires immediate attention, but the lives of people are not at stake If not treated in time, an urgency could aggravate and the condition may become an emergency
Health situations that are considered urgencies: Mild abdominal pain Diarrhea Asthma with mild crises Contusion Pharyngitis Tonsillitis Fever without compromise of vital functions
What s an emergency? Health situation that occurs suddenly and requires immediate treatment or attention A person s life can be in danger
Bleeding that will not stop Severe breathing problems Medical Emergency warning signs Changes in mental status such as confusion, difficulty waking and unconsciousness Chest pain Coughing or vomiting blood Suicidal or homicidal feelings Injury to the head or spine Source: American College of Emergency Physicians (2007)
Warning signs of a medical emergency Severe or persistent vomiting Injury due to a car accident, burns or smoke inhalation Deep or large wound Sudden, severe pain anywhere on the body Dizziness, weakness, or sudden change in vision Ingestion of a toxic substance Source: American College of Emergency Physicians (2007)
What is the difference between a visit to a medical office and an emergency room visit?
Visit to a medical office The consultation is a planned visit to a medical office You talk with your physician who is familiar with your health condition You can express your questions and discuss treatment options They can monitor your condition to make sure you are receiving the care you need
Emergency room visits Treat medical conditions that have occurred suddenly The attending physician does not know all your health conditions They attend people whose lives are at risk
Recommendations to prevent emergency situations Stay active, exercise 30 minutes a day 5 days a week Have a healthy diet Visit your physician regularly Comply with treatments and physician recommendations
Advice for when you visit an emergency room When possible, bring a list of medications you are using and existing allergies Include: Name of medication and method of administration Time you ve taken the medication and correct dosage Any allergies medical personnel should be aware of Stay calm: a calm attitude can improve communication with physicians and nurses who are helping you
After leaving the emergency room: Make sure you understand all instructions given for your care and recovery Visit your primary care physician within 7 days after you are discharged from the emergency room Comply with treatment, education and follow-up appointments recommended Ask your physician to write a review of your medications Learn what could be warning signs or symptoms that could present after you leave the emergency room, and where to seek help
Post test 1. An urgency: a. Health situation that requires immediate attention, but does not put the life of someone at risk b. Controlled health situation 2. If an urgent health situation occurs: a. Stay at home b. Seek immediate medical care
Correct Answers 1. An urgency: a. Health situation that requires immediate attention, but does not put the life of someone at risk b. Controlled health situation 2. If an urgent health situation occurs: a. Stay at home b. Seek immediate medical care
Post test 3. An emergency is: a. A health situation that occurs suddenly and requires immediate treatment or care b. A sore throat 4. It is beneficial to visit your physician s office: a. Because they know your health conditions and can monitor your health b. Because it's more comfortable
Correct Answers 3. An emergency is: a. A health situation that occurs suddenly and requires immediate treatment or care b. A sore throat 4. It is beneficial to visit your physician s office: a. Because they know your health conditions and can monitor your health b. Because it's more comfortable
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For more information, call the Health Promotion and Education Program of Cuidándote Mucho Más: 787-993-2311 (Metro Area) 1-866-517-0701 (toll free) Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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References Guidelines for the Urgent or Emergent Therapy of Hypertension (1998). Obtained from http://www.universityhealthsystem.com/files/01-emergent.pdf on March 2014 Anna S. Sommers, Ellyn R. Boukus Dispelling Myths About Emergency Department Use: Majority of Medicaid Visits Are for Urgent or More Serious Symptoms. Health System Change Journal; No. 23, July 2012. Obtained From: http://newsroom.acep.org/index.php?s=20288&item=29950 on March 2014 Geriatric Emergency Department Guidelines, American College of Emergency Physicians (2014). Obtained from http://www.acep.org/geriedguidelines/ on March 2014 Hyattsville, MD. Health,United States 2011 With Special Feature on Socioeconomic Status and Health Table 94; p310. National Center for Health Statistics, 2012. Obtained from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/hus11.pdf#096 on March 2014