- Call 911 in a health emergency. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and an ambulance will respond
- Health care is paid for on a fee-for-service basis, so patients either pay out-of-pocket, with private health insurance or Medicare/Medicaid
- Health insurance coverage often determines which doctors/services you can access, so consult your network of providers
- Hospital Emergency Rooms are open 24/7 for crisis situations: stroke, shortness of breath/heart attack, severe injury or broken bones, sudden illness, etc.
- Urgent Care and Express Care facilities can often address less acute or non-life threatening medical concerns (cold, flu, concussion, sprains, Xrays, etc.)
- Your primary care doctor generally makes initial diagnosis and referral to medical specialists as needed