The ER Treats Emergencies, But Your Care May Not Be Finished
Emergency rooms treat serious or urgent health problems. Their goal is to stabilize the situation and make sure you are safe to go home.
After you leave the ER, you may still need follow-up care.
Hospitals often recommend that patients follow up with a primary care provider (PCP) within a few days after their visit. If you do not already have a primary care provider, hospital staff may recommend finding one.
Primary care providers help manage the next steps in your recovery and support your long-term health.
If the ER Told You to Follow Up With a Doctor
After an emergency room visit, patients are often told to schedule a follow-up appointment with a doctor within a few days.
This helps make sure you are recovering properly and that any ongoing health concerns are addressed.
A follow-up visit may help:
- check that your symptoms are improving
- review medications prescribed in the ER
- monitor healing after an injury or infection
- arrange additional tests or referrals if needed
If you do not already have a primary care provider, this is a good time to establish care with one. A primary care provider can help manage your health and coordinate care in the future.
Why Follow-Up Care Is Important
A primary care provider reviews what happened during your ER visit and helps continue your care.
During a follow-up visit, your provider may:
- review your ER discharge instructions
- check your recovery
- answer questions about medications
- order additional tests if needed
- help manage ongoing conditions
Follow-up care can help prevent your condition from getting worse and reduce the chance of another emergency visit.
When Should You Schedule a Follow-Up Appointment?
Many people should see their doctor within a few days after leaving the ER, especially if:
- you were given new medications
- you were told to follow up with a doctor
- you had an infection or injury
- you have chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure
- your symptoms are not improving
If you are unsure, your provider can help determine the next steps.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
To help your provider understand your ER visit, bring:
- discharge paperwork from the hospital
- a list of medications you were prescribed
- any instructions or test results you received
This information helps your provider continue your care safely.
Why Having a Primary Care Provider Matters
A primary care provider helps you manage your health over time.
They can:
- track your health history
- manage ongoing conditions
- help prevent illness through screenings and checkups
- coordinate care with specialists if needed
If you visit the ER but do not have a regular doctor, establishing care with a primary care provider is an important next step.
Follow-Up Care at Primary Health Care
Primary Health Care provides primary care services for adults, children, and families.
Our providers can help with:
- follow-up care after ER visits
- establishing care with a primary care provider
- managing ongoing health conditions
- preventive care and checkups
We accept many insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, and offer a sliding fee scale for patients who qualify.
Need a Primary Care Provider?
If you were told to follow up with a doctor after your ER visit and don’t already have a primary care provider, our team can help. Establishing care with a provider makes it easier to manage your health and get the care you need.