ER, Clinic, or Teleconsult? How to Choose When You Feel Sick

Many Filipinos get confused: “Punta na ba ako sa ER, or hintayin na lang bukas ang clinic? (Should I go to the Emergency Room or should I wait for the outpatient clinics?)" This confusion can lead to delayed care in true emergencies and unnecessary ER visits for minor problems. This guide explains when to go to the emergency room, when a clinic or urgent care is enough, and when teleconsult can help, in simple language.

When you should go to the ER

The Emergency Room (ER) is intended for just that - emergencies. These constitute sudden, severe, or life-threatening symptoms. Of course, the symptoms may vary from person to person, but as a general rule we focus on being alert for certain signs and symptoms. Red-flag examples include:

• Severe chest pain or pressure, especially if it spreads to the jaw, arm, back, or comes with sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath.

• Difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, or feeling like you cannot finish a sentence because of shortness of breath.

• Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side), trouble speaking, confusion, or severe sudden headache (possible stroke or serious brain problem).

• Major trauma: serious car accident, fall from height, major burns, head injury with loss of consciousness, heavy bleeding that does not stop.

• ​Signs of severe infection: very high fever with confusion, difficulty breathing, or very severe abdominal pain.

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Should you feel or exhibit any of these symptoms - do not delay and proceed immediately to the closest emergency room and/or contact your local emergency number.

“Kung may alinman sa mga sintomas na ito, huwag nang maghintay. Pumunta agad sa pinakamalapit na ER o tumawag sa local emergency number.”

When a clinic / urgent care is usually enough

Outpatient clinics and/or urgent care are appropriate for milder and non-life threatening problems. These include:

• ​Mild to moderate fever without red-flag signs.

• Sore throat, colds, uncomplicated cough.

• Minor wounds, simple sprains, simple rashes.

• Prescription refills and follow-up of stable chronic conditions.

Outpatient clinics and/or urgent care usually caters to patients during office hours, resulting in shorter waiting time(s), lower cost, and often allowing for better communication with your most trusted healthcare professionals and specialists.

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When teleconsult can help (and when it cannot)

Teleconsult - or medical consultations done via online communication platforms - is best for:

• ​Follow-up for stable chronic diseases (e.g., hypertension, diabetes) when recent labs or home readings are available.

• Review of test results.

• Mild, non-urgent issues where physical examination is not critical.

Teleconsult is not appropriate for emergencies or serious symptoms listed in the Emergency and Urgent Care section.

“Kung may hirap sa paghinga, malakas na sakit sa dibdib, biglang panghihina, matinding sakit, o malabong isip, hindi sapat ang teleconsult. ER agad.”

Simple “decision checklist”

If you have any of the following:

• Severe chest pain or breathing difficulty

• Sudden weakness, confusion, or seizure

• Large injury or heavy bleeding

• Severe, sudden pain anywhere

THEN → Go to the ER immediately.

If symptoms are mild to moderate, no red flags, and you can wait a few hours:

→ Clinic / urgent care.

If you are stable, need follow-up, or have questions about results:

→ Teleconsult (if available).

This article is for general information only and does not replace a consultation with your doctor or emergency services. If you are unsure but feel very unwell, it is safer to seek urgent medical attention.

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) or PhilHealth may cover your outpatient consultation and even emergency care via their partner institutions. Read more here.