Walk-In Clinic or Emergency Room

From minor car accidents to major illnesses like heart attacks, unexpected health emergencies can be stressful and overwhelming.

The first step in getting on the road to recovery is to decide whether to head to the Emergency Room (ER) or be treated at a Walk-In Clinic.
North Oaks’ Emergency Department is the second busiest in Louisiana. Because critical or life-threatening cases are treated first, there may be a wait in the Emergency Room (ER) for less critical or non-life threatening emergencies. While the average waiting period across the country is from 2 to 4 hours for non-critical cases, it could be even longer at busy times.

Conditions that should take you directly to the ER include: uncontrollable bleeding; disorientation or mental confusion; sudden trouble speaking or understanding speech; numbness or weakness in the face, arms or legs; severe abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea; symptoms of a stroke or heart attack, chest pain or pressure; pregnancy with bleeding; difficulty breathing; sudden,
severe headache; fainting or seizures; sudden loss or change of vision; and intent to harm self or others.

If your condition is not life-threatening, visit a Walk-In Clinic where you can see a physician or nurse practitioner without an appointment and get a medical treatment or consultation. Examples of these conditions include: allergy care; sinus infection treatment; cuts or unexpected bruising; bladder infections; insect bites and stings; flu; and many other illnesses or minor traumatic injuries.

So, consider whether your condition warrants the ER or whether it can be better treated at a Walk-In Clinic. But, don’t waste precious moments if your situation is life-threatening. Go straight to the ER.

Panic Prevention
Be Prepared for Sudden Health Emergencies.
Whether you decide to visit the Emergency Department or go to a Walk-In Clinic, partner with your health care provider and prepare an “emergency file” that includes:
insurance cards Social Security Number for yourself and that of your spouse if he or she is responsible for your insurance coverage
log of your doctor visits
log of medical tests
log of hospitalizations
list of allergies
a current list of your medications (including vitamins and dietary supplements)
the names and phone numbers of your primary care physician and other specialists you may have seen recently the name, location and phone number of your pharmacy.

Because you may be under stress, you won’t remember everything that is being said about your treatment.
Bring paper and a pen for you or a family member to take notes. It also will make it easier if you have notes
to refer to when you return home. Ask for clarification if you don’t understand what you have been told or
if you still have questions.

You also may wish to bring comfort items like bottled water, hand sanitizer, tissue, change for vending
machines and a book or magazine. It will help the time pass and may relieve some anxiety.

Remember, whether you visit the ER or a Walk-In Clinic, be prepared to provide accurate information regarding your medical history, symptoms and contact information.

North Oaks Walk-In Clinic Available in 4 Locations

North Oaks Walk-In Clinics are open to treat most illnesses and minor traumatic injuries without an
appointment. Clinics are staffed with family and emergency medicine-trained physicians who are
qualified to care for patients of all ages – from infants (ages 6 months and older) to senior adults.
On-site diagnostic X-ray and laboratory services also are available.

Hammond
Located within North Oaks
Rehabilitation Hospital
1900 S. Morrison Blvd.
Hammond, LA (985) 230-5726
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Ponchatoula
530 W. Pine St., Suite 1
Ponchatoula, LA (985) 370-5656
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.


Walker
28050 Walker S. Rd., Suite L
Walker, LA (225) 664-2111
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.