I've been having a problem since the weekend with severe abdominal pain. I waited for it to get better or worse, and when it got worse it was 11 PM, and I went to the ER. I've been to the ER three times in my life: when I was born, for surgery, and when I was diagnosed. I was discharged at 3:30 AM. They did a workup and the dr. decided that it was an ileus causing slow transit. I wasn't sure if I had wasted everyone's time or not, but told myself to focus on the fact that for once, everything was ok. I don't consider myself malingering, a frequent flier, etc.
Four hours later, I got a letter from my GP telling me that I did, in fact, waste everyone's time [below]. I wrote back a letter saying I didn't appreciate the targeted beratement and that MS can cause complications, and that it probably wasn't best practice to discourage people from seeking emergency medical care. I got back a response that I was "taking it the wrong way." I don't even get it, are they going to get a reimbursement from my insurance company from retroactively managing what sort of care people seek with these kinds of letters? It would seem to me that would be offset by the liability they open themselves up to. Can you imagine getting third degree burns but putting off medical care because of this stupid letter?
"Abdominal pain and cramping is not a medical emergency needing an ER visit.
We believe the best care is often that provided by your own primary care provider who knows you
best, can follow up on tests, and can help coordinate any necessary follow up care.
[posted times of walk in] 8<
a. Upper respiratory infections, flu and colds.
b. Sinusitis, bronchitis, ear infections, headaches, and pink eye.
c. Urinary tract infections, diarrhea, and vomiting.
d. Injuries such as sprains and strains.
e. Skin conditions, such as rashes, burns and infections.
f. Camp forms, simple driver physicals, and simple job forms.
g. Urgently needed prescription refills under certain conditions
We encourage our patients to call the office for all urgent health problems or concerns, 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week. We can help you decide on the best way to manage your care, sometimes
helping avoid costly emergency room copays and delays. For an immediate life-threatening
emergency call 911". . .suggestion to use ER that I went to.
Four hours later, I got a letter from my GP telling me that I did, in fact, waste everyone's time [below]. I wrote back a letter saying I didn't appreciate the targeted beratement and that MS can cause complications, and that it probably wasn't best practice to discourage people from seeking emergency medical care. I got back a response that I was "taking it the wrong way." I don't even get it, are they going to get a reimbursement from my insurance company from retroactively managing what sort of care people seek with these kinds of letters? It would seem to me that would be offset by the liability they open themselves up to. Can you imagine getting third degree burns but putting off medical care because of this stupid letter?
"Abdominal pain and cramping is not a medical emergency needing an ER visit.
We believe the best care is often that provided by your own primary care provider who knows you
best, can follow up on tests, and can help coordinate any necessary follow up care.
[posted times of walk in] 8<
a. Upper respiratory infections, flu and colds.
b. Sinusitis, bronchitis, ear infections, headaches, and pink eye.
c. Urinary tract infections, diarrhea, and vomiting.
d. Injuries such as sprains and strains.
e. Skin conditions, such as rashes, burns and infections.
f. Camp forms, simple driver physicals, and simple job forms.
g. Urgently needed prescription refills under certain conditions
We encourage our patients to call the office for all urgent health problems or concerns, 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week. We can help you decide on the best way to manage your care, sometimes
helping avoid costly emergency room copays and delays. For an immediate life-threatening
emergency call 911". . .suggestion to use ER that I went to.
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