Health Care for Holiday Mishaps

You’re carving your Christmas ham and inadvertently slice your finger. Or maybe you slip off the ladder putting up decorations in your yard.

“It wasn’t so long ago that the emergency room was your only choice if your primary care provider wasn’t available,” says Dr. David Randall Castor, board-certified family medicine specialist and medical director of Beaufort Memorial Express Care & Occupational Health - Bluffton. “Today, you may be able to get less expensive and more convenient treatment, depending on your medical condition. Options for immediate care range from virtual visits in your home via smart phone, tablet or computer to neighborhood urgent care clinics.”

Read More: Where Do I Go for Care?

To help you decide where you should seek care, here’s a rundown of the conditions that can be treated with each level of health care service:

Video Visits

Online medical services, like Beaufort Memorial’s BMH Care Anywhere, offer “face time” with a primary care provider for minor medical issues like a cough, cold, flu, rash, minor burn, pink eye, sinus infection, sore throat and urinary tract infection. It is also a great option if you have any COVID-19 symptoms. This telehealth service can be accessed 24/7 from anywhere.

The service is also available in the Publix pharmacies on Lady’s Island and Buckwalter Parkway in Bluffton during pharmacy hours. Simply tell the Publix pharmacy team you’d like to have a Walk-In Care visit. A team member will show you how to start your video visit and answer any questions.

Same-Day Care

Sometimes called urgent care or immediate care centers, most walk-in clinics like our three Beaufort Memorial Express Care & Occupational Health locations offer same-day treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, including lacerations, ear pain, bronchitis, asthma or COPD flare ups, urinary tract infections, and vomiting. All three of our Express Care locations are also able to take X-rays.

Emergency Room

Call 911 immediately if it’s a life- or limb-threatening emergency. For a broken bone, serious injury, severe burn, abdominal pain or a condition requiring a CT scan or ultrasound, you’ll also need to go to the ER.

Read More: Safe Care at the ER

A couple of caveats:

“When a person is having a stroke, every second counts,” Dr. Castor says.

The American Stroke Association suggests using the F.A.S.T. warning signs to determine if emergency services should be called:

• Face drooping
• Arm weakness
• Slurred speech
• Time to call 911

“Chest pain can also be complicated to diagnose and needs to be evaluated promptly,” he adds. “Most immediate care/walk-in care clinics are equipped to perform an EKG and X-ray, but it’s more likely than not that your attending physician may refer you to the ER for further testing. If you have risk factors for cardiac disease or you experience pain in your jaw or arm, shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea, call 911 immediately.”

You should also call an ambulance if you:

• Can’t stop a wound from bleeding
• Are vomiting blood
• Have rectal bleeding or bloody diarrhea with fever
• Experience the sudden onset of a severe headache
• Fall and hit your head

Have an allergic reaction that causes difficulty breathing or your tongue or lips to swell.

“While the holidays can be a joyous time, they also offer the potential for accidents, injuries and illness. Whether it’s a cut, sprain, food poisoning or the flu, getting medical treatment doesn’t have to ruin your fun.,” Dr. Castor says. “With today’s expanded health care options, help is just around the corner.”

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Learn more about the immediate care options at Beaufort Memorial.