Calling an ambulance does not ensure quicker treatment in emergency departments. Patients may wait depending on symptom severity and if they need urgent care. Symptoms like dirty-looking urine or abnormal tests do not automatically indicate infections unless accompanied by fever. Similarly, X-ray shadows aren't definitive for pneumonia without respiratory symptoms. Patients should utilize over-the-counter pain relief before seeking emergency treatment for minor ailments to avoid unnecessary expenses. Avoid self-diagnosing via internet searches and communicate symptoms directly to healthcare providers for appropriate care.
As a Paramedic/EMS Director, working in the 911 and private sectors, one myth is that if you call an ambulance, you will be seen faster in the emergency department. This is not the case. If you call for something that could be handled at an urgent care or primary physician's office, or didn't need care at all, you will be sent to the waiting room and triaged.
'Dirty-looking urine' or an abnormal urine test does NOT mean you have a urine infection unless you're having fever or other symptoms to go with it. Similarly, a shadow on a chest X-ray or CT is NOT necessarily pneumonia, unless you have a fever or breathing symptoms.
ER Doc here: Please do not come in for back pain, shoulder pain, ankle pain, etc., without having tried Tylenol, Advil, or other over-the-counter pain meds. Otherwise, when you come to the ED, that is exactly what we will give you; you will most likely feel better, and then you will get a huge bill.
People, PLEASE stop googling symptoms and coming in with what 'you think is what you have.' Just tell us, and we will treat you accordingly.
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