The Sun is Shining...WHY are you HERE?

It's a beautiful day outside, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and there's a nice breeze blowing.

You could go to the park and play with your children or grandchildren!

You could hop on a bicycle and ride around the block.

You could sit under a tree and read a book.

You could. But you don't.

Instead, you have come to the emergency room for a flea bite you got this morning. In your own house.

I've tried to examine the mind of the typical NON-emergency, emergency room patient, and I just can't do it. I think about the fact that it costs $150, bare minimum, to be seen in the ER...that's no tests, no medicines, and no x-rays. That is at least two times as much as a visit to a general medical doctor, or even an urgent care clinic. Do they HAVE $150? No, when asked about their primary care provider, they say, "They want you to pay upfront, and I don't have any money."

Will they receive a bill for this $150? Yes.

Will they pay it, or even afford to pay it? No.

Who will pay for it? We will.

Cynical about emergency health care? Yes, I am.

Because, typically, this patient is also talking on his or her cell phone while you try to get a history of the problem. He or she will demand to know what is taking so long, while you are furiously taking vital signs on the patient having a heart attack or stroke. Once in the exam room, the patient will ask for something to drink or eat, to go to the bathroom, and for a warm blanket. He or she will also have 5-6 visitors who demand to see the patient, and can't understand why you can't stop holding pressure on an arterial bleed to let them in the locked (for OUR safety) doors.

The stress placed on emergency room nurses and staff far outweighs the seriousness of most emergency room visits. These "clinic" patients ask for...NO, DEMAND the same time and care as patients who are true emergencies. It is unnecessary. Regardless of the financial burden they place on the system, they drain the life out of the staff, who are HIGHLY trained and qualified to provide ADVANCED medical care to patients who need it.