Feeling Bad May Deserve ER Attention

It is no longer appropriate for patients to call the answering service to request the physician to call in a prescription without the physician having seen the patient.

Patients will often do this and get upset if the physician does not comply with his or her wishes.

While the ER is used by many for their primary care, it is costly and inappropriate, but there are times when going to the ER would be appropriate when one feels bad or just different.

It is well documented that people have relayed to others that they did not feel well, went home to sleep, and died from a catastrophic event that may have been detected by an ER physician.

Recently, one of my patients called and stated that he did not feel well. I questioned him and concluded that he should go to the ER, ASAP. He followed my advice and it was determined that a stroke was imminent.