Top Reasons Medicare Patients Visit the ER

smiling older man

Update May 11, 2023: On January 30, 2023, the government declared that the Public Health Emergency would be discontinued as of May 11, 2023.

This means that our emergency services will no longer be covered by Medicare starting May 11, 2023, but it will not stop us from finding other ways to continue providing every Texan with the elevated care they deserve. Read more: https://www.altusemergency.com/medicare-coverage/

Why Quality Senior ER Care is Vital

The babyboomer generation continues to age, and according to one study, every year, some 56,803 senior citizens find themselves visiting the Emergency Room for various conditions. Today we will cover why quality senior ER care is vital and the top 10 reasons why Medicare patients visit the ER.

With more patients over the age of 65, hospital-based ER’s are having a hard time providing the care these patients require. This makes access to outpatient ER centers like Altus Baytown ER, which is in-network with Medicare, patients a vital service for the community.

smiling elderly couple

Top Reasons Why Medicare Patients Visit the ER

Senior citizens are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases, and this makes them vulnerable to suffer complications or injuries. Meaning, they will need immediate emergency medical attention. Unfortunately, because of the overcrowding crisis in hospital-based ER’s many patients, 65 and over, don’t receive timely care.

Here is a list of the top reasons why medicare patients will need to visit the ER.

Injuries and Accidents

Older adults can develop balance problems, and this makes them more likely to suffer falls, which could result in a broken bone, or concussion.

Additionally, eyesight problems and slower reflexes could make them more likely to be involved in car crashes and other accidents. All crash victims regardless of age should visit the ER to ensure there are no severe injuries, and senior patients are not the exception.

Patients 65 and older also have a higher risk of heat-induced exhaustion and dehydration, which are conditions that require immediate medical attention.

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain can be a result of digestive problems, viruses or infection, food poisoning, and in some cases, kidney stones.

woman with stomach pain

Adverse Drug Reactions and Accidental Overdose

Negative side effects of prescription drugs are a common reason for which older patients visit the ER. Self-medication and accidental overdoses are also reasons for which senior patients must go to the emergency room.

Heart Disease and Chest Pains

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US according to the CDC. Seniors who experience shortness of breath or chest pains need to come to Altus Baytown ER immediately as these could be signs of a heart attack.

Stroke

Another serious condition that sends senior patients to the ER. Strokes rarely cause pain, but they do cause confusion, slurred speech, and paralysis on one side.

elderly man with chest pain

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and severe asthma are all conditions that are known as COPD. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD; therefore, quitting your smoking habit can help reduce the risk of developing COPD. Check your Medicare coverage, as most Medicare Part B plans cover counseling sessions for people who want to quit smoking.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is perhaps the most common upper respiratory infection that lands seniors in the ER. Medicare Part B covers the annual pneumococcal vaccine, which could help prevent respiratory infections like pneumonia.

Spinal Disorders

Conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, as well as injuries to the back or neck can cause severe pain. Back pain is a common symptom that prompts older patients to come to the ER.

Urinary Tract Infections

Many senior citizens are chronically dehydrated. Dehydration is one of the leading causes of urinary tract infections. To help prevent UTI’s, make sure you drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.

older man with pain

If you are a senior citizen with Medicare coverage, you now have access to quality emergency room care. Altus Baytown ER is now an outpatient facility for Altus Hospital, and therefore we are now able to accept Medicare patients.

You don’t have to wait in line anymore to get the medical attention you deserve, come to Altus Baytown ER, where top ER doctors and nurses are available 24/7 to attend your medical emergency.

At Altus Baytown ER, We Are In-Network With MEDICARE!

Altus Baytown ER is the Preferred Outpatient NO WAIT Emergency Room of Altus Hospital.
We’re Open 24/7, Including Holidays.

How Does the Online Check-In Work?

When minutes matter, try our Quick & Easy Online Check-In System. It comes in handy to know there’s a great solution as we know there’s no time to wait in an emergency! Just fill it in, we’ll give you a call within 15 minutes and come in. We’ll be waiting for you at the door.

Altus Emergency Room Baytown

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