Understanding the emergency room: Know when (and where) to go for care

Kevin Kandalaft

UnitedHealthcare

Sustaining an injury or feeling the sudden onset of sickness can be an alarming experience. In many instances, people instinctively seek out the emergency room as a vital provider of immediate care. However, according to a study from Mercer Human Resources Consulting, 35% of emergency room users were unaware that they had alternatives for care. When experiencing a change in health, knowing when to visit the emergency room, understanding care options and having access to other resources available can save an unnecessary and time-consuming trip.

The number of hos...