1. Whether you are going to an urgent care clinic, your primary care physician or Fast ER Care, it's always a good idea to bring a list of all the medications you currently take, including over the counter medicine, vitamins and supplements. This list should include how much of each medication and how often you take each medication. Also, keeping a list of any allergies - especially medication allergies, an any previous medical procedures you have had is important. These can be very helpful, especially in an emergency setting.

2. Ever wonder if you should go to an emergency room or an urgent care clinic? Overcrowding for non-emergencies is one of the largest challenges traditional ERs face. An ER visit should be reserved for true emergencies and when urgent care clinics are closed. An ER is not an alternative to a primary care physician. An urgent care clinic helps to fill the gap when your regular doctor is not available or you cannot wait for an appointment. Keeping this in mind will keep your medical costs down. Trust your gut, if motherly intuition tells you it's serious, head to the nearest ER.

3. All too often illness or injury occur out of the blue, you stumble carrying groceries up a flight or stairs, or your child wakes up with a scratchy throat, low fever and a rash. You do not want to wait until Monday to go and see your primary care physician, where do you go? We are often faced with uncertainty. If this illness is something you would normally address with your primary care physician, it may not be an appropriate ER visit. If you think you are experiencing a life-threatening situation, but you are not sure, play it safe and go to the nearest ER.

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