healthNEWS 2 As winter settles in across Iowa, knowing where to turn for medical care is more important than ever. Understanding the difference between primary care, urgent care and the Emergency Department (ED) can ensure that you receive the right treatment promptly. Recognizing symptoms Taking an inventory of your symptoms is the first step in deciding where to go for care. How long have the symptoms been occurring? How severe are they? Have they gotten worse? Have others close to you experienced similar symptoms recently? The chart below helps to explain the different care options available and what may be your best choice for care based on your symptoms. Flu, COVID-19 and strep throat tests can be conducted at any clinic setting and are well-suited for your primary care provider (PCP). Urgent care is a good option if it is after hours or a weekend for these types of symptoms GCMH: Committed to high-quality care By Eric Neverman, DO GCMH Chief Medical Officer Grundy County Memorial Hospital has long been focused on providing high-quality health care to the communities we serve. Recently, the hospital has further reinforced this commitment through innovative educational initiatives and successful accreditation efforts. As the hospital’s Chief Medical Officer, I worked with our staff education team to begin the implementation of a mock code program, which serves as a critical training exercise for the hospital’s care teams. As a rural critical access hospital, we thankfully do not see as many trauma or “code blue” situations as some larger hospitals, but it is vital that our teams be prepared for any emergency that may come our way. These simulated emergency scenarios allow our care teams to practice their response to life-threatening, high-stakes situations in a controlled environment. By honing their skills through these simulations, our team members enhance their preparedness and collaboration, ultimately improving patient outcomes during real emergencies. In addition, GCMH recently completed another successful survey with DNV, a health care accreditation agency. This annual evaluation assesses the hospital’s adherence to rigorous standards of safety and quality. Achieving and maintaining accreditation from DNV not only validates GCMH’s dedication to excellence, but also assures patients that they are receiving care from a facility that meets the highest benchmarks in health care. Together, the quality and continuous improvement measures in place reflect our hospital’s unwavering focus on excellence. By investing in education and upholding rigorous accreditation standards, GCMH continues to prioritize patient safety and deliver exceptional health care services to the patients we serve. as well. When symptoms are more serious, that’s when an ED visit becomes the best choice. Many PCPs offer virtual visits, making it easy to access care without braving the elements. Weather considerations Iowa’s harsh winters can affect your decision-making. If roads are unsafe, call ahead to check wait times and clinic availability. Primary care clinics, urgent care and the ED often see increased patient volumes during winter virus season. Knowing the differences between the ED, urgent care and your PCP helps you make informed health decisions and get the right treatment quickly. Stay safe this winter, and remember: When in doubt, always err on the side of caution. Primary care vs. urgent care vs. Emergency Department Where should you go for care? Scan the QR code on page 4 with your mobile device to learn how Erika wisely chose to visit the ER when she was experiencing unbearable abdominal pain. Where to go for care Primary care provider Schedule with your primary care provider’s office for all of your health care needs, including non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Your provider knows you and your medical history best. Urgent/Express care For non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses that still need immediate attention (such as fevers, infections or minor injuries), try to schedule with your primary care provider before opting for an urgent care/Express clinic. Emergency Department (ED) For a serious or life-threatening problem, such as heart attacks, strokes or serious injuries, go to the ED or call 911.
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