The State of Emergency Medicine [Video] | hioscar Blog | Oscar
The State of Emergency Medicine [Video]
Oscar Virtual Urgent Care Provider Dr. Mike Hoaglin explains the safety protocols that ERs are taking during COVID-19.
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What does the state of emergency medicine look like at this time? Oscar Virtual Urgent Care Provider Dr. Mike Hoaglin explains the safety protocols that hospitals and emergency departments are taking to keep patients safe from the spread of COVID-19.
"Hi, I’m Dr Mike Hoaglin, a physician specializing in emergency medicine and one of Oscar’s Virtual Urgent Care providers.
It’s important to remember that although COVID-19 is still spreading fast and causing illness and death, other serious acute and chronic conditions still need medical care.
You may be worried about your chances of catching COVID-19 in the emergency department. Recent studies show that 80% of adults are concerned about exposure to COVID-19 in the emergency department.
But the healthcare system is working hard to make the ER and urgent care safe places for patients. After all, WE have to show up every day and also do not want to get ourselves or our families sick.
How can you do your part to minimize your exposure to or transmission of SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes COVID-19?
Well first of all, if you’re stable and not sure if you should go to the ER or urgent care, you should use Virtual Urgent Care (opens in new tab) to help triage your current situation using telehealth where appropriate. Of course, if you’re having a life threatening emergency you should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. If there’s a question as to which facilities are in-network, call your for support.
If you have the ability, ensure you have childcare before you go to minimize exposure to your family and remember that unfortunately likely no visitors will be allowed. This can certainly cause a hardship, not having your family at the bedside, so make sure you have your phone charged so that you or your doctor can keep loved ones updated.
On arrival, make sure you have a face mask to prevent spread of droplets and reduce the amount of virus particles that can reach you. Healthcare workers must abide by universal masking protocols and will always wear personal protective equipment.
Various facility changes are made to reduce exposures during the pandemic.
You may notice that the entrance is in a completely different part of the hospital to better control flow.
There may be a tent outside as your first point of contact.
You may notice new walls that have been constructed.
Upon arrival your temperature and symptoms will be checked at the entrance. First, your COVID-19 risk will be assessed and you’ll likely be placed into one of 3 categories:
COVID-19 Not suspected - Typically well-appearing,
COVID-19 Considered - Probable mild illness (cold or flu-like symptoms but no concerning signs such as difficulty breathing) and
COVID-19 Suspected - High Risk - These patients appear ill and may have a low oxygen saturation or other vital sign abnormalities.
These patients will likely have a special entrance to the ED. And there may be 3 different treatment areas. If you come with a non-COVID issue, you’ll probably never see a COVID patient.
Again, anyone having or suspected to have COVID-19 will be kept in a separate area of the waiting room, ER or hospital.
Still, maintain your social distancing, that means 6 feet away from anyone else with your mask on. Once you are in a room, keep the door or curtain closed, and avoid touching your face.
You may be more likely to be discharged if you are stable rather than staying over for observation to keep beds open. In order to do this, some hospitals are sending patients home with monitoring devices so through telehealth, you can still be monitored from the comfort of your own home.
Note that ER waiting areas, rooms, bathrooms and surfaces are cleaned and sanitized often per updated protocols to help keep you safe. You’re probably safer at the hospital than at the grocery store right now.
It can often feel chaotic during these challenging times but know that the healthcare system is on your side to get on the other side of this crisis and still ready to give full attention to any serious medical condition.
We hope this was helpful, thanks for watching."
Video published 2020-12-15
This content does not constitute medical advice and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, including diagnosis or treatment. Contact your physician with any questions you may have regarding COVID-19 or your personal health. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance.
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