Your Holiday Healthcare Guide: Know Where to Go

The holiday season is almost here! With festive gatherings and winter activities, it’s a joyful time of year – but it also brings increased risks for cold, flu and other seasonal health concerns. This month, Dr. Brian Tsang, Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Charlton Memorial Hospital, and Dr. Anil Shukla, Chair of the Emergency Department at St. Luke’s Hospital, offer advice to help you make the right decisions when it comes to seeking medical care so you can enjoy healthy holidays with your loved ones. You can watch a Southcoast Health Know Where to Go video here, on our YouTube channel.

“As we head into peak cold and flu season, it’s important to know that hospitals and healthcare facilities are often busier than usual,” says Dr. Tsang. “Knowing where to go for care can make a big difference in wait times and timely treatment.” Here’s a breakdown of when to head to an urgent care center vs. the emergency department (ED) and what you can expect at each.

Urgent Care

When your primary care provider (PCP) isn’t available, urgent care centers provide care for health issues that aren’t life-threatening but still need prompt attention such as:

• Cold and flu symptoms
• Mild to moderate fevers
• Ear or sinus infections
• Sprains, strains or minor fractures
• Minor cuts or burns
• Skin rashes or minor allergic reactions

“Urgent care is designed to bridge the gap between routine doctor’s visits and emergency room care, offering faster treatment of minor injuries or illnesses,” says Dr. Tsang. “They also tend to have shorter wait times and make it easy for you to schedule your visit ahead of time.”

Southcoast Health Urgent Care also offers Virtual and Telehealth Care visits by phone or video. And, if your condition requires a visit with a specialist, we offer Book It Urgent Care Direct Specialty Scheduling at all of our urgent care locations. This exciting feature allows our team to directly schedule a follow-up appointment for a variety of healthcare needs.

Emergency Department (ED)

“Emergency Departments are equipped to handle severe and life-threatening conditions, which require immediate, more intensive care,” says Dr. Shukla. He advises going to the nearest ED as soon as possible or calling 911 if you experience:

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Severe abdominal pain
• Heavy bleeding
• Head injury or sudden confusion
• Stroke symptoms (e.g., numbness/weakness in face, arms/legs; slurred speech)
• Seizures
• Severe allergic reactions

“Because emergency departments are staffed with a wider range of specialists and advanced equipment, they’re the best choice for serious conditions,” says Dr. Shukla. “However, keep in mind that EDs operate on a triage system, meaning patients with the most severe conditions are treated first. This can lead to longer wait times for people with non-critical issues.”

Longer Wait Times: Planning Ahead

Urgent care centers typically have shorter wait times than emergency rooms, but demand can spike during the holiday season. Many urgent care centers offer online booking so you can reserve your spot and minimize waiting.

Emergency department wait times can vary significantly, especially if you’re there for a non-critical illness. Bring a book or something to keep you comfortable while you wait.

The Bottom Line

This holiday season, choose the right level of care so you can get the help you need without unnecessary delays. For minor issues, if your primary care provider is unavailable, an urgent care center is often the quickest route. For severe conditions, call 911 or head to the ED without delay.

Above all, take precautions to avoid illness by practicing good hygiene and getting recommended vaccinations such as flu and COVID-19. To learn about recommended vaccines for you and your family, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Staying up to date on your vaccines can help reduce illness if you do get sick, so you can spend more time enjoying the season with your loved ones!

Special note: We understand that it’s hard to be patient when you’re not feeling well. Southcoast Health is here for you, and our providers spend as much time as needed with every patient to ensure the highest quality care for all. Please understand that some cases are more urgent than others and may be prioritized ahead of you – even if those patients don’t have visible symptoms. Please review our Patient and Guest Code of Conduct for important information.