Yes - I agree. There are several problems, though:dknightd wrote: ↑Sat May 05, 2018 5:33 pm I think the underlying problem is people not judging what is an emergency properly.
Wife has a stroke - emergency
I slip and fall, bonk my head, pass out for a few minutes - emergency
Almost cut off my fingers with a table saw - emergency
I have problems breathing when working too hard - urgent care
I get a horrible looking rash, with infection - urgent care
Flu like symptoms - primary care
Emergency care is expensive. It should be used for emergencies.
I've yet to leave emergency room and been asked to pay more than deductible Maybe I'm lucky?
I think the heath care system in USA is broken. But I will not comment on that. And I could be wrong.
1. We, patients, often do not know the difference-
2. Even if we do know (or have a good idea) there are often only the "emergency room" for urgent care needs
Now, DW and I are fortunate that our health plan offers 7x24 advice nurses and 7x24 urgent care facilities normally reachable within 15-30 minutes. Our previous plan/primary care physicians offered no urgent care choices. Calling the "advice nurse" is immensely helpful in determining the seriousness of a situation -
In the last 3 years, DW has needed/used after hours urgent care 2-3 times. One situation, if not dealt with quickly (at 3:30 am on a Sunday) almost certainly would have been an "emergency" had we waited longer.