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Defining Emergency

StorytellERdoc

When a critical illness or injury occurs, then, we should all be thankful that we live within a society where emergent, life-saving medical care is available. Instead of providing emergent care, it seems I spend at least half of my emergency room time now playing doctor to chronic illnesses. And our ER is not alone.

ER 100
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4, 3, 2, 1 And 90.

StorytellERdoc

One of the largest problems in our ER, it seems, is that there is a subset of patients who visit us on a routine basis. Whether it be for chronic pain, for chronic illness, for companionship, simply to have a place to hang out for a few hours, or to get some food, we are often inundated with these patients at the most inopportune times.

ER 100
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Children's hospitals are struggling to cope with a surge of respiratory illness

NPR Health - Shots

Pediatric cases of RSV and flu have sent families crowding into ERs, as health systems struggle with staff shortages. In Michigan, only 9 out of more than 130 hospitals have a pediatric ICU. Image credit: Lester Graham/Michigan Radio)

Hospital 100
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Underneath

StorytellERdoc

Walking into Room 33, my next patient, who had come to the ER complaining of cough and cold symptoms, seemed just as I had expected. What can I do to help you in our ER today?" Because of his torso scars, his thorax, when stressed with illness, couldn't expand as easily as yours or mine. I had a bad cold about two weeks ago.

Physicals 100
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Why Concierge, Concierge Doctor, and Concierge Medicine Are Revolutionizing Healthcare (And Why You Should Care)

Plum Health

He texted me, and we were able to sort out the issue in minutes—no frantic ER visits, just peace of mind. One of my favorite success stories involves a patient who had a strong family history of diabetes. In a concierge setup, I know my patients’ medical history, their families, and even their lifestyle choices in great detail.

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Helium-Filled Dreams

StorytellERdoc

I had signed onto his chart hoping he would be a quick in-and-out patient among the endless sea of critically-ill patients that arrived at our doors that evening. I asked him about his family. And yet, he was without a supportive family. His care wouldn't take that long, I figured. Are you homeless?" "Yes," Yes," he answered.

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To Care Or Not

StorytellERdoc

I dedicate this to each of you who have cared for or are currently caring for an ill parent or family member. I had just rounded the corner of one of our busier hallways near our noisy triage area to find a favorite aide leading a family from our waiting room down the hallway toward their assigned room.

ER 100