As non-emergent ED visits take toll, MyMichigan discusses seeking the correct avenue of care

Two-thirds of Emergency Department visits are avoidable and could instead be treated safely in a primary care setting, according to data from a 2019 study by UnitedHealth Group. The study found that several of the top concerns that were treated in the Emergency Department that could have been treated in primary care included a headache, sore throat, and low back pain. 

Graphic courtesy of MyMichigan HealthSince 2019, the over-use of Emergency Departments has increased. People fell behind on Primary Care visits throughout the pandemic and became increasingly concerned about COVID-related symptoms. 

“While we've always had people that almost use the ER as their Primary Care, or use us if they don't have a Primary Care Physician of their own, that has somewhat increased,” says Danny Greig, Medical Director for MyMichigan Health Midland and Bay Emergency Departments. “Overcrowding and wait times are probably our primary concern right now. We are frequently having patients in ER beds for hours at a time. The hospital has become overcrowded.”

This is why it’s critical for the health of the community at large that people seek the correct avenue for care when they have health concerns – whether that’s the Emergency Department, Urgent Care, EZCare, or their Primary Care office – says Karen Solomon, MyMichigan Health Park Bay Emergency Manager. 

“If someone comes into the Emergency Department and has a medical concern that could be seen by a lower level of care, they may be waiting longer. Additionally, they may be tying up the resources that are needed for a higher level of care patient,” Solomon says. 

Photo courtesy of MyMichigan HealthBay EZCare, located inside the Meijer on Wilder Road in Bay City, provides medical care for ailments such as cold and flu symptoms, ear infections, sore throats, insect bites, and Urinary Tract Infections.While the public often utilizes the Emergency Department by default for medical concerns, even if they aren’t emergent, they should instead be using the Emergency Department only for true emergencies.

Photo courtesy of MyMichigan Health)Dr. Danny Greig“If you don't suspect that it's life threatening or emergent, it is always best to see your Primary Care doctor if possible,” says Dr. Greig. “When that is not possible, then EZCare or Urgent Care are excellent options. The Emergency Department should be reserved for when those options are just not feasible, or you feel like you have a true emergency.”

When should I go to the Emergency Department or Urgent Care?

Part of the reason that Emergency Departments are overwhelmed can be attributed to a lack of understanding by the public about what constitutes a medical emergency. Because the Emergency Department is not a first-come, first-serve facility, people who have medical concerns that are non-emergent tend to wait the longest while true emergencies are handled first. 

“In the Emergency Department, we do not turn people away. We take care of anyone who comes through the door – regardless of whether they're insured, whether they're able to pay, regardless of what their health issue is,” says Dr. Greig. “But when people come to the Emergency Department with things that could have been taken care of at an Urgent Care or Primary Care Office, the Emergency Department becomes overwhelmed… we can see wait times of – even in Midland – three four hours. And we tend to be at the low end of things. If you go down to more metropolitan areas such Detroit or even Saginaw, you can see six and eight hour waits for minor concerns.”

Photo courtesy of MyMichigan HealthThe lobby at MyMichigan Health Emergency Department provides a comfortable and attract space for patients and families. The question then remains: What requires Emergency Department levels of care?

Greig says that some examples of medical concerns that warrant going to the Emergency Department include chest pain, stroke-like symptoms, severe burns, and loss of consciousness.

Photo courtesy of MyMichigan HealthJenny Rataczak, Practice Manager for MyMichigan Health Park Bay“If it's a sprained ankle or you’re unsure if it’s broken or sprained, that's great for urgent care,” says Dr. Greig. “If it's a deformed extremity or bone sticking out, then you need to come to the Emergency Department.”

Medical concerns that warrant a visit to Urgent Care, rather than the Emergency Department, may include fevers, minor burns or cuts, animal or insect bites, and strains or sprains, explains Solomon. 

When should I see my Primary Care Provider or EZCare?

Unless a situation is life-threatening, people should usually call their Primary Care Provider as their default avenue of care, says Jenny Ratajczak, Practice Manager for MyMichigan Health Park Bay. 

“We want to be able to triage in Family Practice so patients know that no matter the situation, unless it's life-threatening, Primary Care is where they should start,” she says.

It is becoming increasingly common for Primary Care Providers to have same-day or next-day appointments available to care for patients with non-emergent medical concerns such as a sore throat, cough, or minor pains. If a patient calls their Primary Care Provider and the office isn’t able to see them quickly, they have staff who can triage the patient and recommend the best avenue of care for them to seek – whether it’s EZCare, Urgent Care, or even the Emergency Department. 

Photo courtesy of MyMichigan HealthFully-licensed and credentialed, MyMichigan Health Emergency Department in Bay City provides 24/7 services.With locations in Sault Ste. Marie, West Branch, and Bay City, EZCare provides medical care for many of the same ailments that could be treated in a Primary Care setting, including cold and flu symptoms, ear infections, sore throats, insect bites, and Urinary Tract Infections. MyMichigan EZCare Bay is located inside the Meijer on Wilder Rd, at 2980 Wilder Road Suite B. 

Photo courtesy of MyMichigan HealthKaren Solomon, MyMichigan Health Park Bay Emergency Manager“We do have virtual visits available through EZCare as well, and you don't have to be a MyMichigan patient to be able to have those virtual visits,” adds Ratajczak. 
At the end of the day, selecting the correct avenue of care for medical concerns is critical for the smooth running of healthcare systems, the health of patients, and the overall health of communities as a whole. 

“Teaching people to use the right avenues of care allows for everyone to have the best treatment possible, and allows them to be seen in a more appropriate timeframe,” says Ratajczak.