Company Website:
http://www.healthnet.com
LOS ANGELES -- (Business Wire)
June 21 marked the official start of summer – a season that, while
generally associated with outdoor fun, can also often bring a host of
injuries and illnesses.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the
most prevalent summer aliments are:
- Falls and sports injuries (resulting in strains, sprains,
fractures or abrasions);
- Head injuries (such as from skateboarding, bicycling or
rollerblading);
- Insect bites (stinging insects, as well as ticks, are plentiful
this time of year; bug bites can cause severe allergic reactions, and
ticks can carry Lyme disease);
- Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke (heat stroke is
particularly concerning because it can be fatal);
- Burns (from fireworks, grills, campfires and overexposure to
the sun); and
- Food poisoning (often occurs when perishable items are left
outdoors for extended periods).
While it’s hoped that the summer will unfold without incident, if an
accident or illness occurs, individuals are advised to educate
themselves – ahead of time – regarding where to seek care.
As Patricia Buss, M.D., Medical and Health Care Services operations
officer for Health Net, Inc., explains, “There’s no question that
hospital emergency rooms play a vital role in our communities by
providing lifesaving services, but many injuries and illnesses are more
appropriate for an urgent care center. Unnecessary emergency room
visits,” she added, “can result in increased cost and prolonged wait
times.”
When to Visit an Emergency Room
The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) offers the following
list of warning signs – for adults – that may warrant emergency-room
treatment:
-
Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath;
-
Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure lasting two minutes or more;
-
Fainting, sudden dizziness or weakness;
-
Changes in vision;
-
Difficulty speaking;
-
Confusion or changes in mental status, unusual behavior or difficulty
waking;
-
Any sudden or severe pain;
-
Uncontrolled bleeding;
-
Severe/persistent vomiting or diarrhea;
-
Coughing or vomiting blood;
-
Suicidal or homicidal feelings;
-
Unusual abdominal pain; or
-
Severe headache or vomiting following a head injury, unconsciousness
or uncontrolled bleeding.
When to Choose Urgent Care
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an urgent care
center is recommended if the condition is not life threatening or
risking disability, but you are concerned and you cannot see your doctor
soon enough. The NIH notes that the types of problems or conditions an
urgent care clinic can deal with may include:
-
Colds;
-
Sinus infections;
-
Allergies;
-
Coughs;
-
Flu;
-
Earaches;
-
Burning with urination;
-
Sore throats;
-
Migraines;
-
Low-grade fevers;
-
Rashes;
-
Sprains;
-
Back pain;
-
Body aches;
-
Mild nausea, vomiting or diarrhea;
-
Non-severe burns or cuts;
-
Minor broken bones; or
-
Eye irritation, swelling or pain.
The NIH advises that if you have a problem, do not wait too long to get
medical care. If you are unsure where best to seek treatment, and you do
not have one of the serious symptoms or conditions above, the NIH
suggests that you contact your physician.
Medical Advice Disclaimer
The information provided is not intended as medical advice or as a
substitute for professional medical care. Always seek the advice of your
physician or other health provider for any questions you may have
regarding your medical condition and follow your health care provider’s
instructions.
About Health Net
Health Net, Inc. (NYSE:HNT) is a publicly traded managed care
organization that delivers managed health care services through health
plans and government-sponsored managed care plans. Its mission is to
help people be healthy, secure and comfortable. Health Net provides and
administers health benefits to approximately 6.0 million individuals
across the country through group, individual, Medicare (including the
Medicare prescription drug benefit commonly referred to as “Part D”),
Medicaid, dual eligible, U.S. Department of Defense, including TRICARE,
and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs programs. Health Net also offers
behavioral health, substance abuse and employee assistance programs, and
managed health care products related to prescription drugs.
For more information on Health Net, Inc., please visit Health Net’s
website at www.healthnet.com.
Follow Health Net
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Connect
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View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150624006402/en/
Contacts:
Health Net, Inc.
Lori Rieger, 602-794-1415
lori.rieger@healthnet.com
www.twitter.com/hnlori
Source: Health Net, Inc.
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