How I Was Able To "MakeTheRightCall"

As a staff member working on the “MakeTheRightCall” campaign, I know about the importance of connecting with a primary care physician for non-emergency needs.  A few days ago, an opportunity arose where I learned this firsthand.

My son Xander had been battling a cold and running a low-grade fever for about two weeks.  After a few days with the cold, I gave him over-the-counter medications, which brought his temperature down.  Xander then seemed to feel better and went along with his normal routine.  However, the cold returned with a vengeance and my babysitter texted me around 4:15 on Thursday and said that Xander had spiked a high temperature and she needed me to come and take him home immediately.

As I drove to the babysitter’s house, I called Xander’s primary care physician, a pediatrician, for advice.  She has been his doctor since he was just a few days old so I knew she would help me make the right decision about what to do.  I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the office had Thursday evening appointments and they could get him in at 7:10 that night. I made the appointment right then and felt relieved that she could see him so quickly.

After a short evaluation, the doctor diagnosed Xander with a sinus infection and prescribed an antibiotic, which she immediately called into my pharmacy.

 

Xander with his pediatrician, Nancy DeBlasis, MD
and Gayla Winzinger, LPN

I am happy to report that Xander, who my husband and I lovingly refer to as Captain Chaos, is now feeling better and is back to his normal self again.  When I think about making the right call, I am very happy with the decision that I made to call Xander’s pediatrician first.  I have a high deductible health plan, so going to the doctor’s office for Xander’s medical needs costs much less than going to an emergency department.  Also, I felt reassured knowing that his doctor already knew him well and had all of his health records on hand for making decisions during our visit. Further, I also felt more at peace knowing that we were able to quickly and efficiently get Xander’s medical needs addressed. 

I know it is hard to know what to do when faced with medical needs, especially with a sick and irritable child, but having a relationship with a pediatrician or primary care physician can help you “MakeTheRightCall”.  It certainly helped me.

Lori McAleer,Project Manager, Health Transformation

Greater Cincinnati Health Council

The Right Care, The Right Place, The Right Time

When you need medical attention, don’t you want to get the right care, at the right place and the right time?  Of course you do.  Since 70% of Emergency Department (ED) visits are not emergencies or could have been prevented with timely and effective care in a doctor’s office, most of us aren't getting the right care, at the right place and the right time.  Don’t you find this disturbing?

Why Should We Care?

• There's a big cost difference.  An average ED visit costs $1,316 and an average doctor office visit costs, $145. (Note: The amount you or your insurance company pays could be significantly different.)
• Out-of-pocket insurance costs for an ED visit are higher with a co-pay ranging from $50-$150+ and possible co-insurance of an additional 10-50%.
• Unnecessary visits to the ED can have a negative impact on the quality of ED care due to crowding, long waits and added stress on staff.  These can take away from patients in need of true emergency care.
• Your quality of care is affected.  The ED isn't the best place to get care that your primary care physician can provide.  Because the ED may not have access to your medical information, you may face redundant medical tests and have an increased risk of medical mistakes.

Why are we going to the ED when it’s not a life threatening situation or a real emergency?

An analysis by Truven Health MarketScan shows these common diagnoses for non-emergency department visits are:

• Skin rashes
• Head and neck symptoms
• Sore throat
• Back disorders
• GI symptoms
• Urinary tract infections
• Ear aches
• Bronchitis 
• Sprains of ankle and foot
• Asthma

Here are some steps you can take to help you MakeTheRightCall:

1. If you don't have a primary care physician, visit YourHealthMatters.org to find one in Greater Cincinnati that meets your needs.
2. Strengthen your relationship with you primary care physician by making sure he or she knows your medical history and if you have a condition such as diabetes or asthma. Talk to your doctor about when you should go to the Emergency Department. 
3. Learn or ask about your primary care physician’s after-hours procedures (most have a doctor on call). 
4. Learn the symptoms of a stroke, heart attack, or other life-threatening conditions that might come on quickly and require immediate medical attention. 
5. Everyone feel aches and pains, but if you have pain that is not typical and/or worries you, call you doctors and discuss it right away. And if you are suffering a true medical emergency, call 911 or seek treatment at the Emergency Department.

To learn more about getting the right care at the right place and the right time, join the MakeTheRightCall campaign on Facebook.

Judy Hirsh

Director, Consumer Engagement & Programs

The Health Collaborative

 The Health Collaborative