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Emergency Room or Urgent Care? Just in Time for Summer, Health Net Relays Helpful Information

2015-06-24 16:15 ET - News Release


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

Like Health Net on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healthNetInc
Follow Health Net on Twitter: https://twitter.com/healthnet
Visit Health Net on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/HealthNetInc
Connect with Health Net on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/health-net

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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