Rule of thumb: Think about a hospital near your home or place of work, wherever you might go for emergency care, and make sure your family physician or pediatrician has admitting privileges at that hospital. This is an important factor for choosing your doctor.
Why do I say this: Two years ago i was sitting in my living room with my wife and 2-year old son. He began coughing, which is nothing new, but then he laid down and started gagging. My wife quickly approached him and saw that he was throwing up blood. We panicked. The hospital is only 1 block away (big reason why we chose our apartment) so I grabbed the little guy and we rushed outside. While we’re walking, my wife calls our pediatrician and shares the details of what just happened. The doctor is very concerned, tells us not to panic and that she would call the hospital to be ready for us – I had no idea what she meant, practically speaking.
When we arrived in the emergency department, the room was full and we had to wait. I was totally surprised by this; a 2-year old coughing blood does not immediately go inside?! Well, there was an obvious emergency ahead of us – a young girl had broken her leg and was reeling in pain. It was a strange moment, where I should have been sympathetic to that young girl, but I was holding my son and he was whimpering, and he was all that mattered to me in the moment.
After another minute or so, someone came out from behind the “Do Not Enter” doors, walked right over to us, and brought us inside for immediate attention. It was such a relief! We had no idea how long we’d have to wait, and now we effectively “jumped” the line. Our pediatrician orchestrated that with one phone call. As it turns out, my son had swallowed some carpet fabric, which caused him to cough up blood. Nothing terribly serious and all was well. Nonetheless, I won’t forget the value of having a responsive doctor on my side. Someone who can pick up the phone and make healthcare move in my direction.
Again – when it comes to choosing your doctor, pay close attention to admitting privileges at nearby hospitals.
~ James
