Do You Need the ER? When Same-Day Telehealth May Be a Better First Step

When a new health concern comes up, it is not always easy to know where to turn.

Should you wait for your next primary care appointment? Call your doctor? Schedule a telehealth visit? Or go straight to the emergency room?

For many patients—especially seniors and individuals managing chronic conditions—the answer depends on how severe the symptoms are and how quickly they need to be evaluated.

At Olive Health, our goal is to help patients get the right level of care at the right time.

Not Every Health Concern Requires the Emergency Room

The emergency room is essential for serious or life-threatening conditions.

However, some health concerns may be safely evaluated by a primary care provider first.

Examples may include:

• New or worsening cold or flu symptoms

• Mild urinary symptoms

• Medication questions or side effects

• Mild swelling

• Blood pressure concerns without severe symptoms

• Minor skin concerns

• Changes in appetite

• Mild nausea or stomach concerns

• Questions about an existing chronic condition

• A caregiver noticing a change and wanting guidance

Depending on the situation, a same-day telehealth visit may allow a provider to evaluate the concern and determine the appropriate next step.

How Same-Day Telehealth Can Help

Telehealth gives patients the ability to connect with a provider without waiting for the next scheduled in-person visit.

During a telehealth visit, your provider may be able to:

• Review your symptoms

• Discuss recent changes in your health

• Review medications

• Determine whether testing may be needed

• Provide treatment recommendations when appropriate

• Decide whether an in-person visit is necessary

• Recommend urgent or emergency care if needed

For patients who have difficulty leaving home or live in a residential care setting, telehealth can also make timely access to care easier.

When You Should Call 911

Some symptoms should never wait for a routine or telehealth appointment.

Call 911 or seek immediate emergency care for symptoms such as:

• Severe chest pain

• Severe difficulty breathing

• Signs of a stroke

• Loss of consciousness

• Severe bleeding

• Sudden severe weakness

• Serious injury

• Severe allergic reaction

• Any condition that appears life-threatening

If you are unsure whether a situation is an emergency and the symptoms are severe, it is always safer to seek emergency care.

The Role of Chronic Care Management

For patients enrolled in Chronic Care Management, regular communication with the care team can also help when questions or changes arise between visits.

CCM may help patients and caregivers:

• Report new symptoms or health changes

• Ask medication-related questions

• Follow up on referrals, labs, imaging, or orders

• Coordinate with specialists and other healthcare services

• Communicate concerns to the primary care team

The goal is to keep patients connected to their care team—not waiting until a problem becomes more serious.

Call Us When Something Changes

You do not always have to wait for your next appointment.

If you or someone you care for experiences a new health concern, contact Olive Health. Our team can help determine whether a same-day telehealth visit, an in-person follow-up, or a higher level of care may be appropriate.

Same-day telehealth availability may vary based on the patient's needs and coverage.

To speak with our team, call or text Olive Health at 813-417-4767.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.