Understanding Health Care Facilities
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Health care facilities near you are listed in the phone book. Look under clinics, health services, and rehabilitation services or centers.
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Getting quality health care doesn’t always mean going into the hospital or emergency room. Depending on your needs, other medical facilities may serve you just as well—or even better.
Your Doctor’s Office
Your primary care doctor treats common illnesses and minor injuries. If you have an ongoing health problem, he or she may monitor and treat your condition. Primary care doctors can also refer you to specialists or admit you to the hospital. For help after regular office hours, find out how to contact your doctor or the office referral.
Skilled Nursing Facilities
A skilled nursing facility may fill the gap between hospital and home care. These facilities provide inpatient care, often including physical therapy and other rehabilitation services.
Rehabilitation Centers
If you’ve had a heart attack, a stroke, or a serious injury, you may be sent to a rehabilitation center. During rehabilitation, specialists monitor your condition while you regain basic skills. For example, a physical therapist may help you increase muscle strength and flexibility. Many rehab facilities offer inpatient and outpatient care.
Urgent Care Centers
Most urgent care centers are open evenings, weekends, and holidays, when you can’t reach your doctor. These centers care for emergencies that are not life-threatening.
Hospitals
Hospitals provide inpatient medical, surgical, or mental health care for people who are seriously ill or injured.
Home Care
Home care services make it easier to recover at home. For medical help, contact professional health care providers, such as nurses and physical or occupational therapists. They can help with medications, dressings, or exercise. You can also hire a homemaker to help with household chores, such as shopping, cooking, and cleaning.
Outpatient Services
Outpatient procedures do not require an overnight hospital stay, but they are just as safe as traditional surgeries. Tests such as blood chemistry, x-rays, and urinalysis can be done the week before you’re admitted. With outpatient or “same day surgery,” you enter the hospital or surgery center in the morning, have the procedure, and go home later that day or evening.
Emergency Rooms (ERs)
Serious illnesses and injuries are always treated first. If your condition isn’t serious, don’t use the ER. Call your primary care doctor or visit an urgent care center instead.