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    • How to Communicate Symptoms to HCP
      • Quality of Life Scale
    • Conditions A-Z
    • Treatments A-Z
  • Pain Management Tools
    • Communication Tools
      • Tracking Tools
        • MedCard PDF
        • Back Pain Map
        • CARE Card (How to take your medications)
        • Cluster Headaches Conversation Guide
        • Daily Activity Checklist
        • DPN Pain Map
        • Fibro Log
        • Fibro Pain Map
        • Follow Up From Your Visit
        • Head Pain Map
        • Pain Log
        • Arthritis Ability Chart
        • Migraine Conversation Guide
        • OIC Log
        • Migraine Log
        • Opioid Induced Constipation Graphical Tool
        • Pain Log Phone App
        • Prepare For Your Healthcare Visit
        • Quality of Life Scale
        • Where Does It Hurt? / Nerve Man
        • Quality of Life Scale – Spanish
      • Interactive Maps
      • PDF Graphical Tools
      • Phone Apps
    • From Patient to Person
    • Self-Management Skills
    • Basic Rights
    • Going to the ER
      • How to Prepare
      • What to Expect
      • “Why do I have to wait so long?”
      • What Not to Expect
      • When You See the Doctor
      • The Importance of Following Up
    • Pain Management Programs
      • Assessment
      • Communication – Importance of Using ACPA Communication Tools
      • Education
      • Program Outcomes
      • Conclusion
    • Videos
      • Communication/Education
      • Conditions/Treatments
      • Support
    • Relaxation Audio
    • FAQs
    • Resources
      • Health Conditions
      • Life Resources
      • Professional Groups
      • Helpful Reading
    • Surveys
      • Taking Care
      • Migraine Headaches
      • OIC
      • Having a Plan for an Opioid Emergency
      • Access and Attitudes Globally
    • Resource Guide to Chronic Pain Treatments
      • Resource Guide to Chronic Pain Management
      • Consumer Guidelines for Low Back Pain
      • More About Medications
    • The Art of Pain Management
      • Living With Pain
      • Music to Help You Relax
  • Pain Awareness
    • Partners for Understanding Pain
      • Partners List
      • Media
    • Pain Awareness Toolkits
    • September is Pain Awareness Month
    • Up Coming Events (Calendar)
  • Quick Links
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  • Linking Policy
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  • Going to the ER

Going to the ER

Back to Pain Management Tools main page.

Almost everyone who lives with pain has been to the emergency room at some time.

You may have gone because your pain was out of control and you could not reach your own health care team. You may have gone because you feared that your pain was a sign of a new medical problem. You may have gone because you have no insurance. Or your own doctor may have sent you there.

A randomized survey conducted by the ACPA and the American College of Emergency Medicine Physicians found these reason and more among the 500 people with recurring or chronic pain who visited the emergency department (ED) once or more in the last two years. To see the full survey results, click here.

While most of the people surveyed were satisfied with their treatment in the ED, there were important gaps between what people expected from their visit and what they experienced. This site can help you know what to expect in case you need to go to the ED in the future. When you are prepared, you are likely to have a more positive experience.

Please choose a category to learn more:

  • How to Prepare
  • What to Expect
  • “Why do I have to wait so long?”
  • What Not to Expect
  • When You See the Doctor
  • The Importance of Following Up
  • Tools

 

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