Have you ever wondered what you should do when you experience an injury or illness that requires prompt care but isn’t necessarily an emergency? Rather than calling 911 or visiting an emergency room, it’s best to visit a physician that offers acute care services. As a long-term acute care provider in Statesboro, GA, Moogerfeld Internal Medicine explores the differences between these approaches—and how to know which is best for you.

When Should You Seek Emergency Help?

As a general rule of thumb, it is best to call 911 for medical assistance or visit an emergency room if you are facing a life-threatening situation. For example, emergency help is required for heart attacks, strokes, drug overdose, poisoning, and sudden breathing problems.

You should also call for help if you or someone else has experienced a traumatic injury—such as those that involve a blow to the head or internal bleeding. If you see that someone is unconscious, cannot respond, is bleeding excessively, or at risk of losing a limb, call 911 immediately.

When Is Acute Care a Better Choice?

Although emergency rooms are equipped to swiftly address a variety of medical issues, they are only intended for health crises. When people seek this kind of care when it’s not needed, they place a strain on resources that can make it more difficult for others to get the life-saving treatment they need.

If you are not in danger but still need prompt medical treatment, visiting an acute care provider can help you save time and money. Provided by local physicians and urgent care centers, acute treatment is specifically designed to treat moderate to severe conditions that do not require hospital stays and extensive diagnoses.

Medical issues that benefit from acute care are those that a person will eventually recover from with treatment. Common examples include abdominal distress, high fever, severe flu, infection, and unmanageable pain. In terms of injuries, acute treatment is appropriate for minor cuts, fractures, and sprains.

What Is Long-Term Acute Care?

In some cases, non-emergency conditions may not recover with a single treatment or doctor’s visit. For example, individuals may require ongoing assistance for a period of time after an extended hospital stay. Long-term acute care allows patients to receive the ongoing treatment they need to alleviate symptoms and start the recovery process.  Often, long-term acute care will involve combined help from physicians, at-home nurses, and rehabilitation specialists.

When you’re facing an acute health issue, it’s important to visit a medical provider that has the skills and resources to treat a wide variety of conditions. If you live in Statesboro, GA, you can turn to Moogerfeld Internal Medicine for comprehensive treatment—including long-term acute care.  Always putting the patient first, this team of internal medicine doctors will introduce you to the best treatment options available in a gentle, compassionate fashion. Visit this health care provider online to learn more about these services or call (912) 681-7111 to schedule an appointment.