When you need healthcare, where you go depends on the type of care you need. In a true emergency, you should call 911 or go to the emergency room. But, keep in mind that the emergency room is for emergencies. If you end up there for a minor issue, you’re going to have to wait … Continue reading Should you go to the doctor, walk-in clinic, urgent care or ER?
Those who have visited an emergency room are no stranger to how waiting can feel in times of uncertainty. But what you might not realize is there are a lot of things working for you in the background as you wait. Here’s a glimpse of what to expect — the things you’ll see and those … Continue reading ER wait times: Behind the scenes in an ER
On a January night several years ago, my family and I found ourselves heading to the emergency room at Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine. My oldest son, Sam, had come home from the first day of competition at the Chisholm Challenge, a therapeutic horseback riding competition for equestrians with disabilities, after he began passing … Continue reading For My Son with Autism, Relief in an ER Visit
If you or a loved one is having a heart attack, don’t drive to the hospital. I repeat: “Do not drive to the hospital”. Call 911 immediately. That advice may seem like common sense, but studies have found about 50 percent of heart attack patients either drive themselves or have someone drive them to the … Continue reading Having a Heart Attack? What You Can Learn From One Patient’s Close Call
This weekend, social media and news networks reported that legendary radio personality, Kidd Kraddick, died from a brain aneurysm. We now know now that this initial report turned out to be inaccurate. Earlier this week, the Jefferson Parish coroner’s office reported that Mr. Kraddick may have died from cardiac disease. Jeffrey Schussler, M.D., a cardiologist … Continue reading Initial Cause of Kidd Kraddick’s Death Inaccurate, But Warrants Discussion
As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, many people are looking forward to the dazzling fireworks displays that celebrate our Independence each year. But, fireworks can be very dangerous. In 2011 more than 9,000 emergency department visits were due to fireworks-related injuries. As an emergency physician with more than 15 years of experience and as … Continue reading The Do’s and Don’ts of Fireworks Safety
The patients I see in the emergency department (ED) ranges from newborn to over 100-years-old. The spectrum of symptoms includes those related to pain, infection, difficulty breathing, trauma, pregnancy, and psychiatric disorders just to name a few. The preparedness of patients who suddenly realize they have ended up in the hospital varies quite a bit … Continue reading 6 Ways to Be Ready for an Emergency Department Visit
