The Emergency Room is for Emergencies

An estimated $30 billion per year is spent on people in vulnerable populations who use Emergency Rooms on preventable conditions. This factor is one of the drivers of high health care costs. We would like to encourage you to build a relationship with a Primary Care Provider in order to be good stewards of our resources. This practice will also help you to live a healthier life and deal with issues earlier, causing you less pain.

Keep reading to learn important information about how to choose how to deal with sickness. At the bottom of the page is a list of Urgent Care Clinics.

The following list gives you examples of life threatening illness or injuries:

If you feel you are experiencing a life threatening emergency go to the nearest hospital or call 911

The following is a list of common non-life threatening conditions that can be treated by most primary care doctors.

This list is not inclusive and is meant to give you guidance. Some situations that are obviously not life threatening may also require treatment at an emergency department.

If you’re sick and your doctor’s office is closed or they are unable to get you in timely, you need to make a decision.

1. Wait for the next available appointment
2. Go to an Urgent Care Clinic
3. Seek care at the nearest emergency room

Please be aware that your primary payer (insurance) may deny payment if seeking primary care at the emergency room.

Flu Symptoms Include:

1. A 105 F or higher fever or feeling feverish (not everyone with the flue has the fever)
2. A cough and/or sore throat
3. A runny or stuffy nose
4. Headache and/or body aches
5. Chills
6. Fatigue
7. Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea (most common in children)

Know where your local urgent care clinics are and their hours of operation.

Many insurance companies have an advice nurse who can assist you. Keep numbers posted by your phone or saved on your cell phone. It’s also a good idea to have your local poison control number handy.

Washington Poison Control Website 1-800-222-1222

Oregon Poison Control Website 1-800-222-1222

Tips for getting an appointment with your Primary Care Provider (PCP)

1. Call your doctor’s office first thing in the morning for an appointment. That’s when urgent care slots are more likely to be available.
2. Plan ahead. If you’ve been feeling cruddy during the week, try to get in to see your doctor before the weekend comes. Fridays, Mondays and the day after a holiday are typically the busiest days and should be avoided when possible.
3. If your doctor is unable to work you into the schedule ask to be put on a waiting list.
4. Be up front and clear about your needs.
5. Know your clinic hours and holiday schedule. Your tribal clinic may also have unplanned cultural closures.
6. Establish a relationship with a primary care doctor.
7. If you are unable to reach the receptionist he/she is probably really busy. Leave a voice mail or hang up and try again.
8. A little courtesy goes a long way.

To Ensure Proper Billing

Provide your insurance card and ask the question. “Are you contracted with my insurance?”

If the answer is “no” the visit will likely result in higher out of pocket costs.

Urgent Care Clinics

Click on the name of the county you need help in to see a full list of resources.