Taking Control Of Emergency Room Treatment a: (NAPSA)—Knowing the right questions to ask at the emergency room could help people get the best treatment. Yet a survey found many ER patients don’t know what they should say to their attending doctors and many more do not know to ask about their treatment options. The survey—commissioned by ETHICON and conducted by Harris Interactive—found that more than one-third of adults feel only somewhat or not at all confident that they would know the right questions to ask if they had to go to the ER for a serious cut or laceration. In addition, two in five adults said they do not have a choice in the type of care they receive once they are at the ER. “The results of this study indicate the need for Americans to educate themselves to take proactive control over their medical care,” said Ronald Stram, chair- man of emergency services, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Syracuse, N.Y. Dr. Stram points out that nearly one-quarterof adults are not aware that there are alternatives to stitches—and that one in 10 said their fear of stitches may deter them from making a necessary ER visit. “Requesting topical skin adhesives such as DERMABOND* Topical Skin Adhesivein lieu of traditional sutures can help eliminate ‘needle anxiety,’ offer added protection against dangerous bacteria such as staph and FE.coli, and makerecovery easier by enabling patients to bathe immediately,” he explains. * Trademark of Eruicon,Inc. Being prepared for an emergency can help people get the best care at the ER. Taking Control Of Treatment Dr. Stram says following these tips can help people get the best treatment: Do not hesitate to ask the triage nurse or the ER physician about the courseof care and treatment methods. Carry a written list of medications that you are taking and allergies that you may have. This can help prevent serious drug interactions or an allergic reaction if you can’t provide the information yourself and your primary care physician is not accessible. Review and understand the terms of your insurance coverage before an emergency strikes. Always have your medical card with you as well as the phone numbers of your insurancecarrier. Educate yourself in advance. The American College of Emergency Physicians’ Web site (www.acep.org) includes suggestions on organizing medical records and responding to emergencies. For information on alternatives to traditional sutures, visit www.dermabond.com.
