The emergency room (ER) can be unfamiliar and frightening for many people. Because life is so unpredictable, you or a loved one may end up in an ER at some point. With that in mind, the team of emergency physicians at NW Indiana ER & Hospital has put together a list of tips to help patients before an ER visit to ensure their next trip to an emergency room in Hammond, Indiana, goes well and that they receive the highest level of medical care possible.
Come as prepared as possible.
Knowing your medical history in detail allows our emergency physicians to provide you with medical care tailored to your specific needs. Therefore, you should always carry a list of your medical conditions, medications (with dosages), and allergies. If you print this information on a single card and keep it in your wallet, you will be prepared for any unexpected ER visits inHammond, Indiana.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Our emergency physicians have undergone extensive training that allows us to take a systematic approach to ensure that you recover as quickly as possible from your medical emergency. Do not be afraid to speak out about your concerns. It helps us understand why you have come to see us. That way, we can handle your most pressing medical concerns right away.
Make the most of the long ER waits.
There is no getting around it: waiting can be a part of ER visits inHammond, Indiana. Unfortunately, the sheer number of patients and the more serious medical emergencies can take time. We are not always able to see everyone on time. However, there are certain ways you can make the most of your ER wait:
- Notify your primary care physician about your Hammond, ER visit, and make sure you schedule a follow-up appointment with them after you have received emergency medical care.
- Think about all your symptoms and how you can communicate them to medical personnel clearly and concisely.
- If you cannot remember your prescriptions or drug allergies, call home or your pharmacy to ensure your list is complete.
- Make a few phone calls beforehand to iron out the logistics: If you are given medications that make you too foggy to drive, who do you call to give you a ride home? Who will feed your dog or pick up your kid from school if your appointment takes longer than expected or you need to be admitted? Is there someone who could accompany you to the ER and help you relay information to the medical professionals and be the second set of ears when it comes to test results and the treatment plan?
Make sure you understand the treatment plan
Many people do not fully comprehend the instructions provided to them after being discharged from the emergency room. You might be impatient to get home after a long ER stretch, and you could be exhausted, sleepy, and not fully healed from whatever brought you there in the first place. Make sure you get the printed discharge instructions, and that someone — an emergency physician or a nurse — goes over them clearly in detail. If you are with a family member or friend, they should pay attention as well, as they might be able to help you recall some of the specifics of your treatment plan later.
Looking for the Premier Emergency Care Facility in Hammond, Indiana?
Medical emergencies are some of the most stressful times in people’s lives, but our emergency physicians at NW Indiana ER & Hospital are here to help in any way possible. As the premier emergency care facility in Hammond, Indiana, we provide fast, high-quality emergency services to people of all ages. If you have any questions about what to expect during your visit to an ER facility, contact us today at(219) 554-9911 or fill out an online form to speak with a member of our staff.
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