How Biometric ID Can Help Alzheimer/Dementia Patients

July 9, 2016/3869 views / 0 Comments/in BLOG, Guest Blog Posts, Patient Identification /by John Trader

The following guest post on using biometric ID for alzheimer and dementia patients was submitted by Laurence Banville.

Dementia is often associated with aging adults. Historically it was perceived as a “normal” part of getting older. We know better now. Dementia is a disease, and just like other diseases, it isn’t normal. Cases of dementia seem to be on the rise in our modern society; Alzheimer’s is a disease that includes progressive dementia as one of its symptoms. It attacks the brain, resulting in loss of memory and thinking skills to the point that victims cannot care for themselves at all. It is estimated that more than five million people currently suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.

Could biometric identification help Alzheimer/Dementia patients?

Why Use Biometrics?

Biometrics involves the measure of biological characteristics that are individual and nearly impossible to mimic. Things such as fingerprints, irises, voice patterns, gait, palm-prints, vein patterns on the back of the hand, and DNA are being considered as identification methods for everything from cellphones to job applications. The field of biometrics is only becoming bigger.

The world is surging with biometric interest, particularly among governments that are always on the prowl for security uses for new technology. It is estimated that governments globally will spend up to $122 million in biometric research and implementation by 2019.

In 2010, two senators proposed a bill to President Obama proposing a national biometric identification card that could be used by employers to stave off illegal immigrants. Six years later the U.S. is still debating the benefit of such a card.

Meanwhile, Nigeria is adding biometrics to their national identity cards through linking bank accounts to state-administered IDs. The political atmosphere in the United States is still more focused on biometrics for security rather than the other practical uses of the technology. One of the uses that can be looked into is a biometric identification card for Alzheimer’s patients and others who suffer from dementia.

Identification Of Alzheimer’s Patients

Dementia sufferers and their families would greatly benefit from an identification card that relied on biometrics. Alzheimer’s patients and others with dementia frequently wander off and become easily agitated if disturbed. This leaves them in a dangerous predicament should they wander into a busy street. As the disease progresses, Alzheimer’s patients can become non-verbal, unable to take care of their basic needs, including eating and sleeping. In situations where Alzheimer’s patients need to have their healthcare records regularly updated or exchanged, an identification card would allow medical personnel to pull up a patient’s identification and health records simply by scanning their palm or fingerprint or using iris recognition.

The CDC reports that death records indicated almost 84,000 deaths due to Alzheimer’s in 2010. A 2014 article published in Alzheimer’s and Dementia notes that this number was vastly under-reported. According to a study conducted by the Chicago Health and Aging Project (CHAP), this number was closer to 600,000.

There are however, private organizations that offer patient identification services through palm-print or hand-vein imagery; but these solutions are expensive and not accessible to those who go through government insurance. Perhaps soon the healthcare industry will create a national identification program specifically aimed to help identify patients who cannot communicate their health problems and the grossly high mortality rate of Alzheimer’s will be reduced.

Looking Further Into The Future Of Healthcare

The use of biometrics for security is well-documented. Cellphone users now have the option of using their fingerprint to gain access to their phones. Furthermore, many online educational institutions use biometrics to authenticate students who are taking a class assessment.

When it comes to healthcare, now is the time for the industry to get involved in biometrics. Some healthcare facilities are considering biometrics for use in positive patient authentication to reduce the occurrence of medical mistakes caused by misidentification. Hopefully, this will get the ball rolling to lessen the various medical as well as other issues associated with aging.

About The Author; Laurence Banville, Esquire:

Laurence Banville is the managing partner of Banville Law with a reputation for thorough preparation and a balanced approach to his clients. He is a down-to-earth bright young attorney who has been honored with the Top 40 under 40 award. This recognition is given to the top 40 ranked attorneys across the United States who are under 40 years of age. He represents plaintiffs and in particular of nursing home abuse.

The Latest Technologies Improving Patient Outcomes

June 30, 2016/5232 views / 0 Comments/in BLOG, Guest Blog Posts, Health Care, Patient Safety /by John Trader

The following post on improving patient outcomes was submitted by Dixie Somers.

The Affordable Care Act has encouraged hospitals and other medical facilities to invest heavily in new technology that will improve patient outcomes and increase the number of lives saved on an annual basis. The best solution to produce a cost-effective, yet high quality experience has been to create technology that will prove to be more efficient in the near future. Through closely watching chemical reactions and choosing laboratory air stirrers of the highest quality, the improvement of healthcare technology has been based solely on evidence of what works and what is desired among the medical community. Based upon this assessment, below are three types of upcoming technology that will affect healthcare in a positive manner.

New healthcare technologies along with upgrades to legacy tech are helping improve patient outcomes.

Mobile Stroke Units

Mobile stroke units have been highly invested in to provide critical medical care before ever arriving at the hospital. Mobile telemedicine enables staff members to perform blood tests, CT scans, and TPA tests on injured victims. Mobile stroke units are expected to save thousands of lives and radically improve patient outcomes.

New and Improved CT Scanners

Old CT scanners will soon be replaced by a new model of CT scanner that can capture a faster and clearer photo in one shot. Prior to this technology, many patients were often turned away for having heart beats that were too quick to take the CT scan. As of now, this CT scan can capture a photo of the heart in one shot. As a result, more people can benefit from the CT scan and more people can get an accurate reading on their health.

Cancer-Seeing Glasses

A new form of high-tech glasses has been designed to be worn by surgeons during an operation. This technology has been shown as helpful in identifying cancer within patients. The glasses are able to detect cancer cells based upon the blue glow that appears to the trained eye of the surgeon. Cancerous cells and healthy cells are normally difficult to distinguish. These high powered glasses increase the magnification and can spot cancerous cells at even an early stage. These glasses, if used in every hospital, could reduce both the time and money that is necessary to treat cancer and significantly improve patient outcomes.

As healthcare costs account for around one fifth of the United State’s annual GDP, technological investments have been deemed the best way to cut costs while improving the overall quality of healthcare. Investment in technology is predicted to be significant for the future as patients will be getting better in a faster amount of time. Within the next few years, healthcare technology will expand as long as investment and efficiency continue to flourish.

Dixie Somers is a freelance writer and blogger from Phoenix, Arizona, who loves most to write for health, technology, and business niches. Dixie is the proud mother of three beautiful girls and wife to a wonderful husband.

How Photo Biometrics Can Improve Healthcare Outcomes for Patients

June 28, 2016/6423 views / 0 Comments/in BLOG, Guest Blog Posts, Health Care, Patient Identification, Patient Safety /by John Trader

The following guest post on the rising use of photo biometrics for patient ID in healthcare was submitted by Amanda Gaid.

Photo biometrics are increasingly being used for passports and other identification needs. Medical facilities and practices are also beginning to see the merit in utilizing photo biometrics for patient identification. There are many ways that photo biometrics can be beneficial for providers, insurance companies, and especially patients. Using photo biometrics can help to improve healthcare outcomes for patients in a number of ways.

The rising use of photo biometrics for patient ID in healthcare is helping to increase patient safety, reduce medical errors, and improve revenue cycle management.

Helps Prevent Medical Identity Theft

Photo biometrics help to ensure that a patient receiving medication and treatment is in fact the patient identified on a medical card. Medical identity theft is widespread, with many people posing as patients in order to receive drugs. Photo biometrics link a patient’s photograph and iris biometrics to a set of medical records. Using this system ensures that patients will not be misidentified and makes it very difficult for thieves to bypass.

Improves Data Integrity

When medical information is breached by identity thieves, health records may show that patients received treatments and medications that were actually taken advantage of by thieves. This can be dangerous for patients that really need these treatments. Blood pressure and other clinical measurements may also be skewed by thieves posing as patients. Protecting this information can help to ensure greater data integrity.

May Help Patients That Can’t Help Themselves

Patients that are brought into a medical facility unconscious or that face advanced stages of cognitive decline may not be able to provide crucial medical information in times of emergency. Photo biometrics allow medical providers to identify a patient and access a wealth of information about allergies, current medications, and conditions that may be instrumental in providing treatment. This may help to protect patients from medication reactions, infections, and other issues while allowing providers to treat patients quickly.

Can Help Prevent Errors in Medical Billing

Medical billing errors can occur due to a number of different circumstances. In some cases, medical practices and hospitals that are switching over to electronic health records (EHRs) will inadvertently replicate an entire patient’s history, showing double treatments and visits. In other cases records may be filed incorrectly. Thieves may also add to inaccuracy of medical billing information. Linking all EHRs and billing information to photo biometrics can prevent billing errors and help to ensure accuracy of patient financial information.

Increases Patient Satisfaction Levels

Patient satisfaction can have an impact on patient outcomes. Patients are more likely to follow medical advice and attend regular medical visits when the experience is pleasant and the provider is trusted. Photo biometrics can make patients feel more secure and can expedite visits and treatment. Patients may also be able to access their own information more conveniently and securely, which can increase empowerment and patient engagement.

Amanda Gaid is a recent college graduate and avid writer. While her primary focus in college was Psychology, Gaid minored in English Literature and Public Health. She draws on her knowledge of these subjects to create online content that addresses human needs in a simple way. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling as well as beach breaks and playing with her dog.

Medical Identity Theft – Detection & Prevention Tips

June 17, 2016/4856 views / 0 Comments/in BLOG, Guest Blog Posts, Medical Identity Theft, Patient Safety /by John Trader

The following guest post was submitted by Ryan Moalemi.

In this day and age, people get increasingly restless if they don’t get their daily ‘fix’ of substances. The main cause for medical identity theft is trying to get drugs which you otherwise can’t get. Drug users who are addicted to certain drugs need a special pass if they want to get those drugs. If you don’t have this pass, you cannot buy the drug.

Follow these simple tips to prevent the dangers of medical identity theft from jeopardizing your patient safety.

Medical Identity Theft isn’t something that occurs rarely. Unfortunately, it’s a daily happening, and it can get pretty nasty if left unchecked. There are numerous ways to protect yourself against Medical Identity Theft, but you’ll also need to know how to react if it happens. When people are desperate, they can do desperate things, going as far as stealing your identity to buy themselves drugs. Here are some tips on how to prevent and detect Medical Identity Theft:

Medical Identity Theft – What is it?

Medical identity theft isn’t much different than regular identity theft. However, the purpose here is to buy drugs, get health care at your expense, etc. Anything related to the medical field is a reason for people to steal your identity if they can’t get what they want. Most countries don’t have pictures of patients on their medical cards which is why it can be pretty easy for people to steal your identity. Of course, there are countries where are the details are listed and available to the medical staff to prevent theft and make it easier for them to go through your details.

Protecting your Personal Information

If you want to avoid having your identity stolen, you will need to know how to protect your personal information. The first step is to keep as much information about yourself to yourself except in cases where it’s necessary to share. Don’t let too many people know all of your personal information. You can also check out some Identity Theft Protection to get even more protection. There are various measures you can take to do this, but the best thing is not to share too much.

Stay Away From Common Fraud Schemes

The most common fraud schemes involve offers which you should take instantly because it’s excellent. If you don’t take the offer, you will regret it because it won’t be good anymore. Don’t fall for these tricks no matter how good they sound. That’s exactly it – they sound too good to be true. Also, if you happen to run into a fraud scheme or an offer, be sure to check out all the information regarding the company or people issuing the offer. You want to find legitimate information. If your research comes to fruition and you find out everything is legit – the offer is legit as well. Otherwise, stay far away from that offer and turn it down.

Tips to Detect Medical Identity Theft

While there are some methods of detection which can cost you money, the most common one is simply by constantly checking your purchase history. Visit the hospital where you get your medication and ask them if there were any purchases on your account. You don’t need to do this all the time – do it only when you suspect that someone might have stolen your identity. Also, always keep receipts with you and keep track of your purchase history.

Responding to Medical Identity Theft Incidents – Checklist

The correct way to react to medical identity theft incidents is to report everything to anyone that might help you out. This involves the hospital you visit, police, etc. Also, if you already ran into problems with identity theft, it is the prime time you start keeping your private information protected. Any possible holes that you might have left out could potentially lead to additional medical identity theft. Keep copies of your medical bills, medical records and everything. This way, you’re minimizing the chances of it happening again.

Conclusion

Medical identity theft can lead to many problems if not handled. Things tend to get complicated as more time goes by so it’s best to resolve the issue immediately upon noticing that something isn’t right. Be careful of who you give your personal information to, and stay away from shady offers!

A Guide to Carbon Monoxide, The Silent Home Killer

June 4, 2016/4394 views / 0 Comments/in BLOG, Guest Blog Posts, Patient Safety /by John Trader

The following guest post was submitted by Senator Windows.

Carbon Monoxide or (CO) for short, is a colorless, odorless and highly poisonous gas. It cannot be seen, smelled, or heard; which is part of what makes it so dangerous. It is particularly dangerous for children because they breathe faster and inhale more carbon monoxide per pound of body weight.

Carbon Monoxide does serious damage to the human body. When it is inhaled, it combines with blood, but prevents the blood from absorbing oxygen. Blood vessels can become faulty which can lead to swelling in the brain, unconsciousness and nerve damage. In very serious cases, it can be fatal.

The longer a person breathes in carbon monoxide, the more heightened their symptoms become. It is strongly advisable to get out into fresh air ASAP and away from the area that contains the gas, in addition to calling for emergency medical help.

To prevent it building up in the home, install a reliable alarm and open windows to allow fresh air to circulate and adequately ventilate rooms. For more information, have a look at the infographic below which has been created by Senator Windows.

Homecare: The World’s Fastest Growing Industry?

May 25, 2016/6211 views / 0 Comments/in BLOG, Guest Blog Posts, Health Care, Infographics, Patient Outcomes /by John Trader

The following guest post on homecare was submitted by Be Independent Home Care.

As of now, the US healthcare industry is worth $84 billion and employs 1.7 million people. Employment in homecare as a home health aide is one of the fastest growing occupations in the country, with a growth rate of 38% expected by 2024 from a decade previously. On the basis of those statistics, the industry appears to be thriving.

A further inspection of the full picture, though, shows that even this substantial growth rate might not be enough to keep up with demand. The number of senior citizens in the U.S. is getting larger and larger every single day, with the senior population projected to reach 83 million by the end of this year. Where once there was 11 prospective family caregivers per person in need of care, that ratio could dwindle to four possible caregivers per person in the next 30 years. The days of lay caregiving seem to be coming to an end.

Furthermore, the need is not just for more healthcare professionals to provide the necessary care; the requisite standards of care are growing higher all the time. Healthcare providers and agencies need to meet strict licensing regulations which, while necessary in order to ensure that patients are cared for adequately, will further limit the pool of potential caregivers.

Be Independent Home Care, an Irish provider of one-on-one homecare, has produced this absorbing and thought-provoking infographic on the current state of the healthcare industry and the road down which it is traveling. The demand for healthcare services means that the industry should be booming, but is the supply of qualified healthcare professionals there to meet it?

Infographic: What You Need to Know About Stroke

May 20, 2016/4350 views / 0 Comments/in BLOG, Guest Blog Posts, Patient Safety /by John Trader

The following patient safety guest post on stroke prevention was submitted by Ireland based Home Care Plus.

Did you know that there are six stroke-related deaths in the world every single minute? Indeed, somewhere on Earth, a person suffers a stroke every two seconds. It is frightening to think of how frequently strokes happen, especially when the likelihood of suffering one can be minimized with just a few simple lifestyle changes.

Home Care Plus, an Irish-based provider of home care services, has created this excellent infographic which provides hugely important information on recognizing the warning signs of stroke, understanding the factors that increase the risk of stroke, and how to provide care for a victim of stroke.

Time is a critical factor in responding to a stroke, so much so that swift, correct action can prove the difference between life and death. If you see somebody with a notable weakness on one side of their body, slurring their speech or finding it difficult to maintain balance, these could be signs of a stroke. Check to see if their face is falling to one side or if one arm is numb, and also ask the person to recite a simple sentence. If one or more of these warning signs is prevalent, contact the emergency services immediately.

Also, if you know of a friend or family member with high stress levels or a poor diet, or if they’re a regular smoker and/or get little to no exercise, gently advise them that they are putting themselves at risk of suffering a stroke. Of course it isn’t easy to tell a person that they should lose weight or obtain regular exercise, but it’s certainly a preferable alternative to needing to provide constant care for them after they’ve suffered a stroke. Given the frequency with which strokes happen, we simply cannot take a chance that it won’t happen to us or to someone we know and love.

Measuring and Assessing Safety at a Senior Living Facility

May 14, 2016/4821 views / 0 Comments/in BLOG, Guest Blog Posts, Patient Safety /by John Trader

The following guest post was submitted by Daniel Lofaso

Safety is the primary concern when looking for a senior living community for your loved one. With today’s technology, it would seem easy enough to find security in residential settings, however additional factors should also be considered to ensure your loved one is safe. Visit and tour potential communities and facilities, and consider some of the following safety elements:

Checking safety levels at senior living facilities is important to ensure loved ones are protected.

Staff style. Try to get a feel for the personality and style of the team behind the senior community. Engage staff to determine if they seem capable of handling day-to-day operations, but also how they might respond in an emergency situation, should one arise.

Level of training. While training may not be an issue in an independent living situation, you will want to find a setting with skilled nurses on staff for a residential or assisted living lifestyle. Make sure that there are team members with experience working with an older population, which may contribute to more comprehensive care, increased engagement, and activities that focus on this particular demographic.

Size of Staff. There are mandates set by the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) that dictate the staff-resident ratio in assisted living residences. Typically, senior communities employ more administrative staff than medical or direct-care team members, due to the independent nature of these settings. Perhaps the best solution is a marriage of modalities, such as a step-down senior community that offers both independent living options and skilled-nursing facilities at the same site or on adjacent properties.

Security. You can’t be too vigilant when it comes to security, and most senior living communities are well-equipped to provide safety and peace-of-mind to their residents. When visiting or touring potential living situations, look for cameras, security guards, and protection against potential intruders or predators. A gated community may be the most secure, and could help to keep unwanted visitors, solicitors, or trespassers at bay.

Step-down Systems. When checking out potential living options, consider asking for step-down systems that provide a continuum of care throughout the senior’s lifespan. This could be a residence that offers both independent housing, with assisted care and skilled nursing on the same property, or nearby, to accommodate the resident in the event that they need more intensive care during their tenancy. This can be a great comfort to those living there, as they won’t ever have to face the worrisome prospect of moving again due to illness or injury.

Access to equipment. Based on the senior’s current health and needs, it is integral to find a living situation with access to on-site medical equipment. Devices such as a defibrillator, EDG machine, and oxygen tanks are important in the event of a medical emergency; depending on existing medical conditions, it might also be wise to choose a senior community with access to stress-test machines, sterilizing and diagnostic imaging equipment, too. Ask staff during visits to area residential facilities for more information regarding what equipment is on-site in case it is imminently needed.

Distance from EMS. The most prudent housing solution for any senior is within close proximity to emergency medical services (EMS), should it be needed. Also, be sure that there are some transportation services nearby to assist residents in getting the medical attention that they need promptly. This also makes it convenient to get to area medical appointments for those seeing providers off-site.

Amenities. Choosing a living situation with on-site amenity options can decrease risk of injury and incident. The convenience of on-site amenities can also contribute to the senior’s comfort level and feelings of independence, as they are able to make their own appointments and enjoy services, such as hair, nails, sports, dining, and leisure activities, without requiring the assistance or intervention of family members, friends, or others. This may also appeal to seniors that prefer the security of participation without worrying about getting off-site and transportation issues.

Ramps. Even if seniors don’t need ramps or assistance with mobility now, there is a comfort in knowing that the building has easy-access and handicap features to assist throughout the lifespan. This can parlay any concerns about moving or relocating should the senior experience future limitation, illness, or injury. There are distinct requirements in place regarding accessibility, and more information can be found through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and guidelines.

Dining options and meal service. Be sure that your senior has ready-access to groceries, meals, or dining options that will appeal to them. Furthermore, if there are specific dietary needs or allergy restrictions, let staff know about these requirements when visiting the site. Some senior communities may have a communal dining room option which can foster interaction and socialization among residents. This is a great way for new tenants to make friends and acquaintances in a safe, secure setting.

Safety comes down to more than mere locks on doors when it comes to a senior living situation. Assess and interview residential settings to determine the level of security, staffing, access, and features your potential dwelling has. Take a tour of facilities to find the best fit based on the senior’s needs and possible limitations, as well as those communities that will foster and encourage independence. Be sure to confirm and ask about the privacy policies of the community, to ensure that the confidentiality and autonomy of the senior is a priority.

Daniel Lofaso is the Community Outreach Manager for Lourdes Noreen Mckeen, a retirement and independent living facility in West Palm Beach, FL.

Infographic: How Nursing Leadership Styles Can Impact Patient Outcomes and Organizational Performance

May 11, 2016/6209 views / 0 Comments/in BLOG, Guest Blog Posts, Infographics, Patient Outcomes /by John Trader

The following guest post on improving patient outcomes was submitted by Bradley University

As in any profession, nurses can only perform as well as their workplaces, teams, and managers allow. While all healthcare employees are responsible for an organization’s performances, nurses are in an important position to directly influence patients’ experiences and outcomes. But in healthcare, performance doesn’t just have consequences in patient satisfaction; it can also affect recording errors, medication errors, and ultimately patient mortality rates.

Since managers are in a position to directly control the environment in which nurses work, their leadership style can have a tremendous impact on how patients are cared for and how the organization performs as a whole. Research has found that there are distinct correlations in how each of five key leadership styles can positively — or negatively — sway the quality of care provided.

Leadership styles can be fluid, and there isn’t necessarily one correct approach which will suit every organization or situation. For example, transactional and authoritarian leaders can excel during emergency situations, whereas democratic leadership is at its best when collaborating to refine processes and workflows. Transformational leadership can inspire nurses to perform at their best, demonstrated by research indicating reduced patient mortality in three of six studies.

Learn more about these leadership styles with the infographic below, produced for Bradley University’s Online Nursing Program. This graphic gathers research examining the link between different management styles and how they can influence an organization’s performance and patient outcomes.

Women’s Health: What Type of Care can Female Patients Expect at an Urgent Care?

May 5, 2016/11466 views / 0 Comments/in BLOG, Guest Blog Posts /by John Trader

The following guest post on urgent care was submitted by Nathan Bradshaw with UrgentWay.
Going to the doctors or an urgent care center can cause an uneasy feeling for many people. White coat syndrome is prevalent in many people, where their blood pressure sky rockets, and there pulse rate increases. Urgent care centers can be anxiety provoking because some women are not aware of what they can expect when going. Knowing what to expect before you go can make a big difference, and reduce nervousness, and anxiety. I am going to shed some light on what type of care female patients can expect at an urgent care, and why visiting an urgent care can lead to quick treatment options, and very little waiting time.

Urgent Care Centers are playing a more important role in women’s health.

What is an Urgent Care Center?
First off let’s talk about what an urgent care is. An urgent care center is a walk-in clinic that treats injuries and illness that require immediate attention, but not as serious as conditions that you would typically go to the emergency room for. Urgent care centers are used to treat conditions that are not life threatening but conditions that should not wait to be addressed until your primary care physicians next available appointment. Some of the reasons people may go to an urgent care center include things like accidents, and falls, sprains, and strains, mild to moderate back issues, bleeding or cuts that may require stitches without an excessive amount of bleeding, fever or flu, sore throat, urinary tract infections, or minor broken bones or fractures. (1) Urgent cares are very convenient for serving as a middle of the road treatment center between your primary physician, and the emergency room.

Female Patient’s and Urgent Care Centers:
When women go to an urgent care center, it is important to know what type of care you are going to receive in order to make the decision about going to the urgent care center in the first place. Urgent care centers are able to see patients with a wide variety of conditions. One of the reasons a women may visit an urgent care is for a urinary tract infection, and according to fast med, urinary tract infections in women are very common. “At least 1/3 of all women in the United States will have been diagnosed with a urinary tract infection by the age of 24.” (2) Urinary tract infections are painful, and should not wait to be treated until your physician is able to see you. A women may not feel comfortable going to the emergency room for a UTI, so an urgent care center is a perfect choice. When going to the urgent care for symptoms of a UTI, the physician will evaluate your UTI symptoms, and possible run a urinalysis screening. The urgent care can easily treat this condition with a course of antibiotics.

Another reason women may visit the urgent care center is for issues such as emergency contraception. The physicians at an urgent care center are well equipped to manage the need for emergency contraception, and can do so without the patient needing to visit the emergency room and be subjected to long wait times, and countless germs. Birth control, STD/STI testing are also available at your local urgent care, and can serve as a more convenient option than waiting for a doctor’s appointment. All of these conditions require immediate attention, and the urgent care center can provide care to all women needing care for UTI’s, STD testing, birth control, or emergency contraception.

Other women’s health issues that can be treated at an urgent care can include concerns that you would generally bring up to your OB/GYN. Getting in to see your OB/GYN can take weeks, and sometimes even months, and many concerns need immediate attention. Some of the reasons women may visit an urgent care center when their OB/GYN does not have an immediate appointment include reasons like noticing an abnormal menstrual cycle, pregnancy testing, morning sickness, menopausal symptoms, abdominal pain or mild to moderate pelvic cramping, for a referral to get an ultra sound done, or referrals to see an OB/GYN. Going to an urgent care for your health concerns means that you will most likely get answers the same day, will not have to wait to see a doctor which means your worrying time is much less. Urgent care centers have doctors that are trained to treat many conditions, and you should not have to wait to treat your women’s health concerns.

Urgent Care Centers as a Great Option:
Urgent care centers serve as excellent options for non-life threatening medical conditions. These centers can get your health concerns addressed the same day you visit the clinic, and get you feeling better quicker than having to wait for your primary doctor, or your OB/GYN to see you.

Going to the emergency room may not be necessary for many of your health concerns, and can be avoided by visiting your local urgent care. Emergency rooms can subject you to very long waiting times, higher medical expenses, and even expose you to more germs, Urgent care physician are trained, and can provide you with high quality medical treatment, and have the resources to refer you out to a specialist if needed.

Urgent care physicians can provide excellent medical care just as your physician would. When you visit a walk in clinic, you can expect your care to be very similar to the care you would typically receive at your primary doctors. You will check in, be brought into an exam room where you vitals will be taken, and a physician will do a medical exam, and review your medical history with you. After the medical exam, and a thorough review of your symptoms additional testing may be done, or treatment, and a diagnosis will be discussed with you. You will receive instructions as to how to follow your treatment plan such as obtaining additional testing, or how to take a prescribed medication. You can request a summary of your visit at the urgent care to be faxed over to your primary physician’s office for them to have on file.

Now that you know what women’s health conditions can be treated at an urgent care, and what type of treatment you can expect, I hope that you feel well prepared if you need to make a visit to a walk in clinic, with little anxiety as to what to expect. Going to the doctors can always be stressful, but knowing where to go, and how your treatment will be can make it a much less frightening experience, and can allow you to get high quality care when you need it.

Nathan Bradshaw is an expert marketer who specializes in promoting and growing physician practices. He currently works with UrgentWay to help improve their online footprint and garner interest in their Urgent Care, Occupational Health and Health services.