DOES YOUR GOLDEN AGER REALLY NEED TO BE SENT TO THE ED FOR EVALUATION?

Why does SYNERGY make such a big deal out of telemedicine visits? Our goal with telemedicine is to reduce delays in treatment, as well as prevent unnecessary trips to the emergency department (ED). If a Golden Ager needs urgent medical treatment, their choices are limited and typically result in being sent to the ED. A recently published article brings light to an epidemic of our Golden Agers being stranded in EDs across the country, as well as the associated dangers. 

A typical scenario is a resident of an assisted living facility is not feeling well. They need to be seen by their PCP, but this requires making an appointment. If the resident is lucky, they might get a same-day appointment, but it doesn't end with just making the appointment, now transportation is needed. Those lucky residents who have available family and can get into an automobile are all set, but this makes up only a small percentage of residents. Most residents are in wheelchairs or have a greater amount of assistance than family can handle, requiring a transport van. Try calling a transport company to make a same-day appointment...not going to happen, yet they need to be seen sooner rather than later. The only choice is to be sent to the ED. 

Our Golden Agers account for 20% of ED visits. A common visit to the ED is for a suspected urinary tract infection. The resident is sent via non-emergent ambulance to a local ED. They will sit in the ED for hours, yet only spend 20 minutes being assessed and diagnosed by an ED provider. They have now spent at least 4-6 hours in an uncomfortable gurney/bed, just to be sent back home, no better than when they went out. Let's consider a resident who is sent to the ED, who also has a diagnosis of dementia. They are outside of their safe environment. They are scared with bright lights and scary sounds. They were probably sent without their glasses or hearing aids to make the experience that much more frightening. Their confusion and inability to understand what is going on will prompt them to get out of bed and try to leave. With ED shortages, they are at high risk of falling or other catastrophic injuries. Let's not forget where all the germs are, you've guessed it...the hospital. They now have an increased risk of whatever viral infections are lurking throughout the hospital. 

With SYNERGY MEDICAL SERVICES, we assess our patients and the "big picture". I tell our patients and families, before going to the ED, to give us a call. Unless there is a bone sticking out or chest pain/shortness of breath, we will do our best to provide treatment in the patient's home, where they are comfortable with access to food, water, and their bed and bathroom. We can bring most testing to you while keeping you safe and comfortable. 

Reference: https://www.oregonlive.com/business/2024/05/senior-citizens-remain-stranded-in-hospital-ers.html

For more information on our previous topic of HEART FAILURE, click on the following link: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure