Author: Jon Adamy
"McLaren is going above
and beyond to ensure the safety
of their patients, visitors, and staff...”
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our world in many ways, but one thing that hasn’t changed is McLaren Greater Lansing’s commitment to providing safe, compassionate emergency care whenever you need it. McLaren Greater Lansing’s Emergency Department is here for you and your family’s health care needs.
McLaren is going above and beyond to ensure the safety of patients, visitors, and staff by using the right personal protective equipment, encouraging social distancing, and frequently disinfecting high-touch areas. Patients with COVID-19 symptoms are also immediately separated from others to be cared for in designated areas.
Choosing to delay treatment for life-threatening conditions, and those that may lead to more significant and serious complications later on, is simply too dangerous to put off because of the pandemic. With that in mind, here are seven reasons Dr. Christine Perry, Medical Director for McLaren Greater Lansing’s Emergency Department, says you should not to delay your care.
Chronic conditions
“Conditions requiring constant monitoring and management, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer can become compromised from a seemingly harmless sickness or ailment,” said Dr. Perry. “Health issues should be evaluated by a physician, so a chronic condition doesn’t worsen. Therefore, if you are unable to see your physician or establish primary care, please know that we are available to you.”
Musculoskeletal concerns
Broken bones and fractures often require X-rays and casts to properly heal. Joint or ligament pain should also be evaluated to ensure that it is not symptomatic of a more severe condition and help prevent permanent damage. McLaren’s emergency team can help manage your pain and provide a solid plan for recovery and follow up.
Pregnancy
“Any concerns related to pregnancy that occur between scheduled OB/GYN appointments should be assessed immediately,” said Dr. Perry. “High blood pressure, headaches, increased swelling, blurred vision, fever, abdominal pain, and heavy bleeding must be handled immediately by a physician.”
Head injuries
“Any injury to the head, especially those which cause loss of consciousness, blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, or lingering headaches must be evaluated by a physician,” said Dr. Perry. “We use evidence-based medicine to determine who needs advanced imaging and who needs observation and provide clear discharge instructions to help with the recovery and follow up process.”
Unexplained pain and discomfort
The sudden onset of an unexplained pain or discomfort can be symptomatic of something more serious. A medical screening exam will be performed by emergency medicine specialists to rule out life-threatening causes of pain and determine additional testing and proper course of treatment, including follow up.
Life-threatening emergencies
If you or anyone around you begin showing symptoms of a heart attack, stroke, or other serious life-threatening conditions, call 911 immediately. Please do not hesitate to seek prompt medical treatment.
Skip the wait
McLaren Greater Lansing offers the only online emergency room check-in in the Lansing area. To view estimated wait times and save your spot for non-life-threatening issues, simply visit www.mclaren.org/lansinger and McLaren will let you know when it’s your time to come in. You will need to register when you arrive, but the streamlined process means your treatment will begin promptly.
To learn more about how McLaren Greater Lansing is keeping our community safe from COVID-19, click here.