These days, we are all worried about contracting COVID-19. We know people who have symptoms of the virus often go to a hospital’s emergency department—most known to patients as the emergency room—to seek immediate care. For this reason, many people are nervous about going to the hospital for any other reason. But, that is not always the best approach. Brendan Carr, MD, Chair of Emergency Medicine for the Mount Sinai Health System, explains what you need to know about going to the emergency department during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Should I go to the hospital for emergency care?

In a medical emergency, you should seek help—and that means going to the emergency department. If you delay seeking help for conditions that need immediate attention, we may not be able to do as much for you. If you have a problem with your heart or your breathing, if you have chest pains or symptoms of a stroke, it is important to be evaluated as soon as possible, for the best outcome. We want to help, but we cannot do anything for you if we do not know there is a problem.

I am concerned about safety. What is being done at hospitals to ensure that it is safe for patients?

Throughout the Mount Sinai Health System—and at most other hospitals in the country—we have spent a lot of time changing our set-up and workflow to protect against exposure to COVID-19. We are very diligent about how we clean all the high-traffic areas. We make sure that all staff members wear masks and we give patients masks as they go into the emergency room.  We are doing everything we can to protect you from possible exposure.

To help us help you, there are some things that you can bring when you come. Have a list of all your medical problems and the medications you take. It can help to bring the medicines themselves. While this advice is always true, it is especially important during this pandemic. In addition, you might want to bring a cell phone and phone charger so that you can reach out to friends and family about what is happening. You also may end up spending a fair amount of time at the hospital, so it cannot hurt to bring a book or some sort of entertainment to make your wait easier.

Should I go to the hospital, urgent care, or schedule a video visit with a medical provider?

It depends on what is happening. If you are experiencing something that you have been treated for in the past and you have an idea of what is wrong—or it is a minor problem—then it is totally appropriate to go to an urgent care center. You can also call your doctor’s office to arrange for a video appointment. We provide a number of virtual care options through Mount Sinai Now, including virtual urgent care and the ability to text with a physician about your health concerns. If your doctor thinks you need a higher level of care, they will refer you to the emergency department or to a specialist.

Are there special precautions I should take if I have to go to the hospital?

Think about going to the emergency department the way you think about doing all the other important things in your life. There is always a risk of exposure when you leave the house, but we still go to the grocery store and to the pharmacy. Going to the hospital when you are worried that you are ill or injured is another part of taking care of yourself. We are here for you and are doing everything we can to keep you safe. It is important to follow all the safety rules in the emergency department that you would anywhere else. Wear a mask, wash your hands regularly, and practice social distancing.

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