The Rhode Island Health Commissioner says too many people are using hospital emergency rooms when they don't need care urgently. Doctor Nicole Alexander-Scott warns that ER's in the state are at 90-percent capacity and intensive care units are at 100-percent capacity. Alexander-Scott says many medical needs can be handle at an urgent care walk-in or in a doctor's office.
"Emergency departments are perfect for emergency situations. If someone is experiencing a serious health issue, they should absolutely call 911 or go to an emergency department right away. However, emergency departments treat patients with the most serious health issues first, which means that people with less severe conditions will experience long waits," said Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH. "Keep the phone number for your primary care provider handy and know where your nearest urgent care facility is. An urgent care facility, or other type of express care facility is often a more convenient, less expensive option."
The Commissioner says doing that will lessen wait times in Emergency Rooms and lessen the strain and allow doctors to provide much needed help to those who need it most.
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