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Hospital Informs People About The Difference Between Urgent And Emergency Care In Delightful Ads (4 Pics)
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Hospital Informs People About The Difference Between Urgent And Emergency Care In Delightful Ads (4 Pics)

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Urgent care – or emergency care? Both of them sound super serious if you ask me, so it’s definitely going to be in your interest to get to the right place for health care as soon as possible.

A Florida-based healthcare service knows this and has provided convenient and amusing roadside billboards for people’s information, so their emergency rooms don’t get clogged up with people seeking treatment for minor health issues such as bee stings.

Image credits: TheRussMartinShow

BayCare describes itself as a “leading not-for-profit health care organization that connects individuals and families to a wide range of services at 15 hospitals and hundreds of other convenient locations throughout the Tampa Bay and central Florida regions.”

Like any medical service, they recommend that you visit your primary care provider for an acute illness or injury that is not life-threatening. Which I guess means your doctor. But what if it’s the weekend, after hours or you just can’t wait for an appointment?

People weren’t quite sure who to call.

Image credits: TheRussMartinShow

So BayCare got together with New York-based creative communications and advetising agency DeVito/Verdi to try to solve the problem. “BayCare needed an ad campaign for both its Emergency Care services and its Urgent Care services,” DeVito/Verdi writes.

“However, consumers were getting the two confused, so we created a campaign that would both differentiate the services and raise their profile.”

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Image credits: TheRussMartinShow

With some simple graphics and a touch of humor, they have succeeded in doing just that! The clever ads have gotten a positive reaction, and people are talking about them, which is, of course, the whole point.

But what if you’re still not sure what to do? Well, let’s allow BayCare to explain in a little more detail. “ER is appropriate for any life-threatening illness or injury,” they write. “If you are experiencing chest pain, fainting, loss of vision, shortness of breath, or severe abdominal pain, then the ER is the correct choice.”

“These facilities are open 24/7 and have all the capabilities to handle any type of medical situation.”

“If in doubt, choosing an ER is usually best.”

“Calling 911 for chest pain, difficulty breathing or other potentially life-threatening issues is recommended. At the ER you may experience a wait time before seeing the provider. You will usually have a higher out of pocket cost with your health insurance compared to an urgent care facility.”

Image credits: TheRussMartinShow

“Urgent care is the perfect option for more minor illness and injury.”

“Examples would be upper respiratory conditions, urinary tract infections, nausea/vomiting, lacerations, and sprains. These facilities are open evenings and weekends. They are able to repair lacerations and remove foreign bodies.”

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“You will typically receive care quicker and at a lower cost than at an ER.”

So there you go. Pretty clear now isn’t it? Now, fingers crossed we never have to avail ourselves of these services!

Here’s what people had to say about the creative and funny signs

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alanwilkening avatar
Podunkus
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have health insurance (Urgent Care). I don’t have health insurance (Emergency Care).

zelda2park avatar
Zelda Blue
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unfortunately the healthcare system has to go to these lengths because so many people lack common sense. Too many people treat Urgent Care and Emergency Care as their "clinic" instead of finding a primary care doctor and making an appointment. Too bad they can't cure stupid.

drivebee avatar
Drive Bee
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where I live you are lucky to get in to see your primary care within a few weeks, they tell you, "if you need help sooner, go to the urgent care."

Load More Replies...
cindysnow avatar
Cindy Snow
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My husband works in ER and over 50% do not need to be there. Birth control? A summer cold? Pinworms? Clinics, people, clinics. We need more clinics and more people to use em.

bonnieclyde avatar
Bonnie Clyde
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is way better than the campaign our regional health authority put together. Stuff like that should be taught alongside high school health classes or with drivers licencing (or both). People mess up the system so much for everyone (and risk future health issues for themsevles) when they go to the wrong place.

talormcpherson avatar
Talor McPherson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are assuming everyone gets a driver's license and goes to High School. There are soooo many people out there without diplomas and/or driving without licenses- sometimes both!

Load More Replies...
emory_ce avatar
Carol Emory
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They need to have another set that explain the times when you should and shouldn't call 911. I've read stories where a guy in Florida called 911 to say his girlfriend got fired after the manager treated her like c**p and he wanted the cops to go talk to the manager and Set Him Straight. Or the lady that called 911 because her boyfriend left her in a town she was unfamiliar with because they got in a argument and he left in his car. She wanted the police to make him come back and get her. 911 is meant for emergencies...your personal crisis does not qualify as an emergency unless someone is personally hurt, injured or in danger of being hurt.

ellenwall89 avatar
Crochet lady
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There was also a guy who called 911 because a fast food restaurant made his order wrong.

Load More Replies...
earringnut avatar
bpcostins avatar
paglenn68 avatar
Glenn Little
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My first ER rotation I pulled a chart that the complaint was "two years of chapped lips". Having said that, I tell my patients and sometimes parents, if you're scared, go to the ER.

puggyparty101 avatar
PAN-cake ;)
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A couple of years ago i sliced my knee open and needed 10 stitches. Sould i have gone to urgent care instead of the er???

sink_venice avatar
Amina Hays
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In France, all doctors take a month long summer holiday, like teachers. If you're unwell, you have to either contact the fire department as they're (I think) also paramedics, or go to A&E. They don't get paid as much as doctors in the UK or the US but it's still one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard.

cindysnow avatar
drivebee avatar
Drive Bee
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Urgent care is when you want to pay a medical bill and spend a bunch of time in a waiting room but not have anyone actually help you.

whereeverythingisfairgame avatar
PinkPanda
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A lot of places have Doctor shortages, and unfortunately for some people who can’t afford to miss work to attend a9-5 clinic they end up in the ER when they are done their shift. I see it where I live all the time. Access to 24 hour urgent cares/walk in clinics would eleviate a lot of people clogging the ER for wrong reasons.

jo91150 avatar
Joanne Hudson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you go to Urgent Care and need Emergency Room, they will call ambulance where you are triaged right away. If you had plague they would see that and isolate you.

carolienbakker avatar
Carolien Bakker
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think they are really accurate, but I agree that some comparisons could help people, because lots of people when they feel ill think they are an emergency when they are not. I just always tell people who complain about waiting in the ER how triage works. Like be lucky that you had to wait long because mostly if you are helped directly it means you have something more serious. Multitrauma cardiac arrest etcetc

mihaidxn avatar
mithril
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you step on a bee you need urgent medical care? wtf? I have been stung more than once and never set foot in a hospital for it.

puggyparty101 avatar
PAN-cake ;)
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Me: doctor I'm dying doctor: wdym??? Me:im dying inside doctor: *calls therapist* are you suicidal? Me:yeah

justforfacebook avatar
ƒιѕн
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was in ER once with a 10 inch gash down my thigh and blood pooling on the floor. Also waiting was a guy with a wasp sting on his ear that explained to the nurse he was worried because it was so close to his brain. I just started laughing my a*s off, people looked at me like I had totally lost it.

carolienbakker avatar
Carolien Bakker
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If it's not an arterial bleeding probably still urgent care and not emergency. Although far more urgent than a bee sting (except for anafylactic reaction)

Load More Replies...
alexcannoneer97 avatar
alex just alex
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hmm... I always thought that urgent care is for when you can reach the hospital on your own, and emergency - when you have to call the ambulance.

m_wellbring avatar
Peko
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know, my friend walked 4 kilometres to the hospital with a collapsed lung, he should probably have called an ambulance.

Load More Replies...
megantenbroeke avatar
Phunny Philosopher
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If only they knew that in a year's time, the third one would be neither funny nor true. In 2020 Flu = plague. Also don't go to either urgent care or ER if you have the flu/plague.

pennypacker3000 avatar
David Jeu
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why are they so passive agressive ? Isn't having to go to the hospital stressful enough?!

marneederider40 avatar
Marnee DeRider
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Part of the problem are "nurse lines". I took my son to the ER once, and I went to the ER once, both times because the nurse on the nurse line said to go, and in retrospect (not just based on the outcome), it was silly, and urgent care would have been better. And then, with urgent care, it takes two hours to scour the internet to find a place that your insurance will cover! Not great when you're fainting or having an asthma attack. Your insurance company should send you a list of 2-3 urgent care places near you with their hours when you sign up. It would save them money. (And don't say go to ER for asthma attack, because last time that happened, they wouldn't let me lay down and it took over 5 hours before they would see me. It was terrifying. I just needed one little puff of albuterol.)

kerryboelloeni avatar
kiamaty
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I went to urgent Care and was misdiagnosed and ended up in emergency care less than 24 hours later. I will not go to urgent care again

ash2lar avatar
Christine M Quigley
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are perfect!!! Coming from an Urgent Care nurse. Truly, we had too many emergencies.

puggyparty101 avatar
PAN-cake ;)
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Doctor: *debates* should i take you to urgent care or the er?

alanwilkening avatar
Podunkus
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have health insurance (Urgent Care). I don’t have health insurance (Emergency Care).

zelda2park avatar
Zelda Blue
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unfortunately the healthcare system has to go to these lengths because so many people lack common sense. Too many people treat Urgent Care and Emergency Care as their "clinic" instead of finding a primary care doctor and making an appointment. Too bad they can't cure stupid.

drivebee avatar
Drive Bee
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where I live you are lucky to get in to see your primary care within a few weeks, they tell you, "if you need help sooner, go to the urgent care."

Load More Replies...
cindysnow avatar
Cindy Snow
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My husband works in ER and over 50% do not need to be there. Birth control? A summer cold? Pinworms? Clinics, people, clinics. We need more clinics and more people to use em.

bonnieclyde avatar
Bonnie Clyde
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is way better than the campaign our regional health authority put together. Stuff like that should be taught alongside high school health classes or with drivers licencing (or both). People mess up the system so much for everyone (and risk future health issues for themsevles) when they go to the wrong place.

talormcpherson avatar
Talor McPherson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are assuming everyone gets a driver's license and goes to High School. There are soooo many people out there without diplomas and/or driving without licenses- sometimes both!

Load More Replies...
emory_ce avatar
Carol Emory
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They need to have another set that explain the times when you should and shouldn't call 911. I've read stories where a guy in Florida called 911 to say his girlfriend got fired after the manager treated her like c**p and he wanted the cops to go talk to the manager and Set Him Straight. Or the lady that called 911 because her boyfriend left her in a town she was unfamiliar with because they got in a argument and he left in his car. She wanted the police to make him come back and get her. 911 is meant for emergencies...your personal crisis does not qualify as an emergency unless someone is personally hurt, injured or in danger of being hurt.

ellenwall89 avatar
Crochet lady
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There was also a guy who called 911 because a fast food restaurant made his order wrong.

Load More Replies...
earringnut avatar
bpcostins avatar
paglenn68 avatar
Glenn Little
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My first ER rotation I pulled a chart that the complaint was "two years of chapped lips". Having said that, I tell my patients and sometimes parents, if you're scared, go to the ER.

puggyparty101 avatar
PAN-cake ;)
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A couple of years ago i sliced my knee open and needed 10 stitches. Sould i have gone to urgent care instead of the er???

sink_venice avatar
Amina Hays
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In France, all doctors take a month long summer holiday, like teachers. If you're unwell, you have to either contact the fire department as they're (I think) also paramedics, or go to A&E. They don't get paid as much as doctors in the UK or the US but it's still one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard.

cindysnow avatar
drivebee avatar
Drive Bee
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Urgent care is when you want to pay a medical bill and spend a bunch of time in a waiting room but not have anyone actually help you.

whereeverythingisfairgame avatar
PinkPanda
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A lot of places have Doctor shortages, and unfortunately for some people who can’t afford to miss work to attend a9-5 clinic they end up in the ER when they are done their shift. I see it where I live all the time. Access to 24 hour urgent cares/walk in clinics would eleviate a lot of people clogging the ER for wrong reasons.

jo91150 avatar
Joanne Hudson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you go to Urgent Care and need Emergency Room, they will call ambulance where you are triaged right away. If you had plague they would see that and isolate you.

carolienbakker avatar
Carolien Bakker
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think they are really accurate, but I agree that some comparisons could help people, because lots of people when they feel ill think they are an emergency when they are not. I just always tell people who complain about waiting in the ER how triage works. Like be lucky that you had to wait long because mostly if you are helped directly it means you have something more serious. Multitrauma cardiac arrest etcetc

mihaidxn avatar
mithril
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you step on a bee you need urgent medical care? wtf? I have been stung more than once and never set foot in a hospital for it.

puggyparty101 avatar
PAN-cake ;)
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Me: doctor I'm dying doctor: wdym??? Me:im dying inside doctor: *calls therapist* are you suicidal? Me:yeah

justforfacebook avatar
ƒιѕн
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was in ER once with a 10 inch gash down my thigh and blood pooling on the floor. Also waiting was a guy with a wasp sting on his ear that explained to the nurse he was worried because it was so close to his brain. I just started laughing my a*s off, people looked at me like I had totally lost it.

carolienbakker avatar
Carolien Bakker
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If it's not an arterial bleeding probably still urgent care and not emergency. Although far more urgent than a bee sting (except for anafylactic reaction)

Load More Replies...
alexcannoneer97 avatar
alex just alex
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hmm... I always thought that urgent care is for when you can reach the hospital on your own, and emergency - when you have to call the ambulance.

m_wellbring avatar
Peko
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know, my friend walked 4 kilometres to the hospital with a collapsed lung, he should probably have called an ambulance.

Load More Replies...
megantenbroeke avatar
Phunny Philosopher
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If only they knew that in a year's time, the third one would be neither funny nor true. In 2020 Flu = plague. Also don't go to either urgent care or ER if you have the flu/plague.

pennypacker3000 avatar
David Jeu
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why are they so passive agressive ? Isn't having to go to the hospital stressful enough?!

marneederider40 avatar
Marnee DeRider
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Part of the problem are "nurse lines". I took my son to the ER once, and I went to the ER once, both times because the nurse on the nurse line said to go, and in retrospect (not just based on the outcome), it was silly, and urgent care would have been better. And then, with urgent care, it takes two hours to scour the internet to find a place that your insurance will cover! Not great when you're fainting or having an asthma attack. Your insurance company should send you a list of 2-3 urgent care places near you with their hours when you sign up. It would save them money. (And don't say go to ER for asthma attack, because last time that happened, they wouldn't let me lay down and it took over 5 hours before they would see me. It was terrifying. I just needed one little puff of albuterol.)

kerryboelloeni avatar
kiamaty
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I went to urgent Care and was misdiagnosed and ended up in emergency care less than 24 hours later. I will not go to urgent care again

ash2lar avatar
Christine M Quigley
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are perfect!!! Coming from an Urgent Care nurse. Truly, we had too many emergencies.

puggyparty101 avatar
PAN-cake ;)
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Doctor: *debates* should i take you to urgent care or the er?

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