When you should go to the emergency department (ED)

How to get the care you need when you need it.

June 30, 2022  

It can happen when you least expect it. You fall and can’t put weight on your leg. You spike a high fever. Or you have a rash that’s getting worse. These are examples of times that you may wonder if you need care right away, and if you do, where you should get that care.

David Elvin, M.D., chief medical officer, Tufts Health Plan, says knowing what to do can make these times less stressful. Here he answers questions about what to do when you have immediate health care needs.

Q: What should I do when I think I need care right away?

A: Call 911 or go to the nearest ED if you have symptoms that may be serious. These symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, trauma and drooping on one side of the face.

Often we think about going to the ED when we have a health concern, but we’re really not sure if we need immediate care. If this happens to you, call your PCP’s office. Most PCP’s have a 24-hour phone line. That means that even at night the office can help you decide whether making the trip to the ED or a local urgent care center is a good idea. Your local community health center may also take walk-ins for urgent care needs.

Q: How can my PCP help if I need care right way?

A: Your PCP or their team member can talk with you about what’s going on and give you advice about what to do next. Some PCP practices offer urgent care services or have a relationship with a nearby urgent care center. If not, they may ask you to come to the office for a same-day visit, make an appointment to see your PCP within the next few days, or in some cases, go to an urgent care facility or ER. Keep in mind that wait times at urgent care centers tend to be shorter than wait times at ERs.

Q: What if I need to talk with my PCP after hours?

A: You can call your PCP’s office if you need help after normal office hours. You can talk with an on-call provider about what symptoms you have. The provider can tell you how to get the help you need. You also can call the Tufts Health RITogether 24/7 NurseLine at 800-285-3580 (TTY: 711). Our nurses know how stressful these situations can be. They can help you decide where and when to get care.

Q: I recently went to the ER for care. They told me to follow up with my PCP. Do I need to do that if I feel well?

A: Yes. Your PCP needs to know all the health issues you have so they can provide you with the best possible care. When you get care in an urgent care center or ER, ask them to send your PCP details about your visit. This is especially important if they change any of your medications. Your PCP may need to assess your progress, take over your treatment and/or take other steps so you don’t end up back in the ER.