1. How can I access urgent medical care after office hours?
- If you have an urgent issue that can’t wait until the next work day and you would like to have a phone or video consultation with our doctor, call 916-983-8868 and select extension 9. The doctor may request a phone or video visit with you, with your permission to manage your concern or direct you to urgent care or ER if needed. We cannot prescribe narcotics on the phone.
- If you have a concern and you want to be seen in person right away before 10 pm, you may go to urgent care in your area. Here is a list of urgent care clinics in our area. Make sure to confirm with the urgent care center that they take your insurance. Please ask urgent care to send us your record, then call us to make a follow-up appointment so we can follow through to make sure you are fully recovered.
- If you have a concern that can wait to be addressed during the next working day, you may make an appointment on MyHillChart or send us a message in MyHillChart or call 916-983-8868 and select 4 to leave a voice mail. We will call you the next business day to schedule an appointment with us.
2. How can I access urgent medical care DURING office hours?
- Call 916-983-8868 and push extension 1 for our designated extension for appointments with one of our providers. We have ample appointments daily if you call in the morning because we have at 9 providers between two offices to take care of you in person or online.
- If you have a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention (see list below), go to the local ER. Most times, we can see your medical record at the ER and we will be able to monitor your progress. Please follow up with us after the ER visit so we can follow through to make sure you are fully recovered.
3. Why should I go to my PCP and avoid going to ER?
- Continuity of Care: Our doctors have a comprehensive understanding of your medical history, enabling personalized care based on your specific needs and previous records.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Visiting us is more cost-effective than the ER, saving you money. ER costs are >$3000 billed to your insurance, while we charge around $125-200 or $150 to 300 for urgent care. Your out-of-pocket expenses are also lower at our clinic.
- Timely Access: Avoid long ER wait times! Schedule a same-day appointment with us and get prompt attention to your health needs.
- Preventive Care: We focus on preventive medicine, providing guidance on maintaining good health and preventing future illnesses.
- Reduced Strain on ER Resources: By choosing us for non-emergencies, you help the ER focus on patients who genuinely need immediate, life-saving interventions.
- Familiarity and Comfort: Seek care from the doctors you know and trust at Healthy Living Primary Care.
- Better Follow-Up: After an acute illness visit, we provide follow-up care, ensuring you recover fully and receive any necessary further steps.
- Urgent Care Option: If we can’t see you on the same day, consider urgent care facilities open until late evening (9-10 pm). They’ll guide you to the ER if needed.
4. What are the urgent symptoms that require immediate medical attention, and I should go to ER?
- Chest Pain: Sudden or severe pain with shortness of breath, dizziness, or radiating to arms, neck, or jaw. Intermittent mild chest pain without shortness of breath for weeks or longer can be seen at PCP’s office.
- Difficulty Breathing: Severe breathing difficulties or blue lips. Any mild feeling of shortness of breath or chest tightness without struggling to breathe can be seen at PCP’s office.
- Uncontrolled Bleeding: Severe bleeding that cannot be stopped or excessive bleeding after an injury. Any mild feeling of shortness of breath or chest tightness without struggling to breathe can be seen at PCP’s office.
- Severe Allergic Reactions: Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, hives, or anaphylaxis. Any mild feeling of shortness of breath or chest tightness without struggling to breathe can be seen at PCP’s office.
- Head Injury with Loss of Consciousness: Loss of consciousness, seizures, or neurological changes. Any mild feeling of shortness of breath or chest tightness without struggling to breathe can be seen at PCP’s office.
- Stroke Symptoms: Sudden weakness, numbness on one side, difficulty speaking, confusion, or vision problems. Intermittent and mild numbness on one body part or different random body parts (not one side of the body) can wait to be seen at PCP’s office.
- Severe Abdominal Pain: Intense or persistent pain with vomiting or blood in the stool. Mild abdominal pain without vomiting up blood or rectal bleeding or fever can wait to be seen at PCP’s office.
- High Fever with Rash: High fever combined with a severe rash that doesn’t blanch. Low grade fever with mild spotty rash can wait to be seen at PCP’s office.
- Suicidal Thoughts or Attempts: Immediate psychiatric evaluation required. Depression without suicidal plan or attempts can wait to be seen at PCP’s office. We have a therapist who can see you the same day.
- Seizures: Prolonged or multiple seizures, or the first occurrence of a seizure. Involuntary movement without loss of consciousness intermittently can wait to be seen at PCP’s office.
- Severe Trauma: Major fractures, dislocations, or head trauma. Mild injuries resulting in joint pain but still able to ambulate can wait to be seen at PCP’s office.
5. Why is it important to follow up with your primary care after an ER visit?
- Continuity of Care: Seamless care integration into your healthcare plan.
- Treatment Coordination: Consistent and appropriate care based on ER recommendations.
- Monitoring Progress: Promptly address lingering symptoms or complications.
- Preventive Care: Discuss preventive measures to reduce future emergencies.
- Medication Management: Review and adjust ER-prescribed medications.
- Health Education: Additional guidance on self-care and healthy lifestyle choices.
- Addressing Underlying Causes: Investigate and manage underlying conditions.
- Referrals to Specialists: Facilitate specialized care if needed.
- Monitoring Chronic Conditions: Ensure effective management for better health.
- Long-Term Relationship: Build trust and personalized care for improved outcomes.