Unexpected health emergencies can be stressful and overwhelming. Know when
to choose a Walk-In Clinic or the Emergency Room (ER).
The first step in getting on the road to recovery is to decide whether
to head to the ER or be treated at a Walk-In Clinic. 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 medical consultation
and/or treatment.
Examples of Walk-In conditions include:
- allergies
- sinus infections
- cuts or unexpected bruising
- bladder infections
- insect bites and stings
- flu symptoms
- minor illnesses or injuries.
Don’t waste precious moments if your situation is life-threatening.
Go directly to the ER for treatment of:
- 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 in vision
- intent to harm yourself or others.
The North Oaks Medical Center Emergency Department is one of the 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. So, consider whether your condition can be treated at a Walk-In
Clinic or whether you should go directly to the ER.
North Oaks Walk-In Clinics are available in
Hammond,
Ponchatoula and
Walker.
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.