Symptom Management
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Different symptom presentation requires different levels or response and vary in urgency and time frame. If you are ever unsure what you should do for your symptoms we encourage you to call the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whats the difference between the doctor’s office, urgent care, and the emergency room?
The main difference between each of these services is determined by the severity of your symptoms. Our office is for the least severe cases, followed by urgent care being for moderate concerns, and the most concerning emergencies being addressed in the emergency room or by calling 911. It is important to attend to your symptoms in the correct way so that you can receive the help that you need in the most efficient way.
When Should I Attend the Doctor’s Office?
An appointment with your Primary Care Physician is preferable to attending an urgent care or walk-in clinic when possible, because it allows for a more holistic treatment of your problem from a provider that knows you and your history well. As your advocate in the medical system your DFD provider can refer you to specialists, order you imaging and labs, and order medications. Most often visits outside of preventative care are for the treatment of (1) Colds, flu, sore throat, (2) sinus, ear, and urinary tract infections, (3) Heachaches and muscle pains, (4) stomach, pains, nausea, diarrhea and constipation, and (5) minor scrapes and bruises.
When Should I Attend Urgent Care?
Urgent care is a helpful resource for quicker access to medical services for non-emergency issues. Medical problems that are more urgent and cannot wait until the next day or for the next available appointment can be addressed at urgent care. Urgent care offices are also an option when there are gaps in insurance coverage that is accepted by your Primary Care office, so that necessary care and prescriptions can go uninterrupted while you are sorting out your coverage. Common issues that are addressed at urgent care include (1) sprains, (2) minor animal bites & stings, (3) minor cuts & burns, (4) dehydration (5) pink eye, and (6) rashes or other skin rashes.
When Should I Go to the Emergency Room?
Emergency rooms allow fast medical treatment for serious conditions that may be life-threatening of create more severe conditions if left without immediate treatment. Such instances where a patient should seek out the ER include (1) chest pains or difficulty breathing, (2) serious burns cuts or lacerations, (3) broken bones or dislocated joints, (4) fainting, changes in mental states, slurred speech, (5) head or eye injuries, (6) weakness and/or numbness in limbs.
Can I Receive Treatment Over the Phone?
At Danvers Family Doctors, we offer telehealth appointments for treatment of conditions that do not require in person assessment. Reviewing lab results, treating joint pain, addressing COVID/Flu symptoms, and other such needs are concerns that can be treated over the phone. Other concerns relating to blemishes, abrasions and UTIs are items that need to be treated in the office. Our nurses are also available during office hours to provide advice on treatment of various symptoms that may not necessarily requiring an in office visit with the provider.
Is There Someone I Can Talk to in Order to Determine Care Options?
If you are ever in doubt of how best to address your symptoms you should call our office. Our team of nurses are available during business hours to triage your needs and direct you towards the correct course of action. Additionally, a provider is always on call to address serious concerns outside of normal hours.
Can I Get Same Day Appointments?
If you have concerns that you feel need more immediate treatment you are encouraged to call the office to speak with our front desk staff and/or nurses to be triaged for necessary care which may include same day appointments. For pediatric patients it is especially important to reach out to our office for an appointment if you child is experiencing (1) an earache or draining warm (2) pain or burning urination, (3) blood in urine, (4) fever in less than 3mo, (5) fever and wheezing, or (6) fever over 4 days without being seen by a provider.
What is Yale New Haven Care/PhysicianOne?
Yale New Haven Care, formerly known as PhysicianOne is a virtual appointment service associated with our office that allows patients to meet with providers virtual when our office is closed or not available to see you. This service is not directly linked to our office and therefore questions about about insurance and billing in relations to these appointments should be directed to Yale New Haven. They can be reached at 203.741.8799.
Can I Call After Hours In Case of Emergency?
Our office offers access to our providers even outside regular office hours. Calls after hours should be limited to only urgent matters that cannot wait until normal business hours. You can reach the providers by calling our office (978.762.6262) and leaving a message for them to return. As always, if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency you should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room rather than waiting for a return call.