Alternatives to going to emergency room when you're not sure you have Covid

SAN ANTONIO (KABB/WOAI) - San Antonio hospitals are reaching capacity with Covid patients.

Hospitals are now trying to cut down on any unnecessary emergency room traffic.

"We’ve had a lot of days in the past month where we seen over 200 patients in our emergency department," says Dr. Ralph Riviello, the Emergency Medicine Chair for University Health and UT Health San Antonio.

And that number isn't getting any smaller.

University Health's emergency room department says not everyone coming through the doors are suffering from Covid and some don't have severe injuries at all.

"There are a small percentage of patients who will probably do very well at a walk-in clinic or a primary care physician's office," says Riviello.

That's why they want you to know unless you feel abnormal or extreme discomfort or pain, have possible broken bones or aren't able to breathe, the ER shouldn't be your first line of defense.

"If you’re scared to come to the emergency department even if you don’t think you have Covid symptoms for something else, use a Tele ER option," says Dr. Tony Martinez, Emergency Medicine physician with Baptist Health System.

That's one reason Baptist Health developed their Tele-ER service.

If you don't have a primary care doctor or don't have insurance, talking to an emergency room nurse is free.

"You’ll be put in contact with an emergency room trained nurse with many years experience, who will evaluate and discuss with you the complaint," says Martinez. "Based on the complaint and what they’re hearing, they'll determine if this can be managed as a telehealth option."

If you end up seeing a physician over virtual visit your insurance co-pay covers the cost.

For those with no insurance, a virtual visit with a physician would be $50.

But if you can, it's always a safe bet to check in with your doctor first.

"People should check with her primary care physician to see what their office can handle or not handle and do they have the ability for quick appointments or even walk in appointments," says Riviello.

Baptist Health System Tele-ER hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

You can reach them at 210-297-5033.