When (and When Not) to Go to an Emergency Room (ER)
Posted on June 8, 2010
At HNE, we want to work with you to make sure you get the best care and service available to help you make the most of your HNE coverage.
Hospital Emergency Rooms (ERs) play a key role in the overall healthcare delivery system. If you believe that you are having a heart attack or a stroke, or you have suffered a traumatic injury, you want to get to the nearest ER as quickly as possible. The team at the ER is specially trained to manage life-threatening situations and often save peoples’ lives.
The ER is not the place to go for minor injuries or illnesses. ERs are often crowded, and patients are treated based on the severity of their condition. That means you often may have a long wait. And, since they don’t know you at the ER, you won’t get the same personalized service that you get from your own doctor. The ER doctor won’t be familiar with your medical history and may not be aware of conditions for which you are being treated. ERs also cost much more than the services you get from your own doctor – both for you and your health plan. Your ER copayment will always be higher than the copayment amount to see your own doctor. Inappropriate ER visits are one of the causes of rising healthcare costs.
In order to help you decide whether to seek emergency care or wait to see your doctor, HNE requires your doctor’s office to have 24-hour phone coverage. That way, if you need care after hours, you can call the office. Your doctor or someone covering will help you decide what to do. HNE also has a 24-hour nurse line. If you can’t reach your doctor, call us at 413.787.4000 or toll-free at 800.842.4464. In response to the prompt, option 2 (member covered by HNE), then option 6 (HNE nurse line). An experienced nurse will listen carefully to your concerns and give you information to help you choose the care that’s right for you.
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