Respiratory illnesses are on the rise in the Brainerd area, prompting Essentia Health to promote various same-day and virtual care options. With research indicating that approximately one in three visits to emergency departments are for non-emergency conditions, the organization is urging patients to select the appropriate level of care based on their symptoms. This approach aims to reduce congestion in emergency departments and ensure timely care for those with critical needs.
Understanding Care Options
Patients experiencing mild symptoms should consider different care avenues before heading to an emergency department. Essentia Health provides a range of services tailored to specific health concerns. The 24/7 Video Visit On Demand allows individuals to access care anytime through the MyChart patient portal, addressing many urgent needs efficiently.
For more common conditions, patients can utilize the E-Visit feature for online consultations with Essentia providers. This service is available around the clock and is ideal for ailments such as colds, flu, sore throats, and nausea.
Primary care visits, whether in-person or via virtual video consultations, are recommended for common illnesses. For symptoms such as low-grade fever, mild migraines, or persistent cough, patients can opt for urgent care or walk-in services. Essentia Health also provides a Wait Time Map, enabling individuals to locate the nearest care facilities.
Emergency departments should be reserved for serious conditions, including difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe pain, or sudden weakness. For those uncertain about where to seek care, the Essentia Nurse Care Line at 800-714-4646 is available for guidance, along with resources on the Essentia Health same-day care webpage.
Current Health Landscape
Christie Erickson, a nurse practitioner and associate chief medical officer for Essentia’s East Market, emphasized the importance of directing patients to the right level of care. “We have a number of ways to ensure our patients receive the right level of care, based on their symptoms,” said Erickson in a recent news release. The health system is facing an especially challenging flu season and is committed to keeping people healthy and out of hospitals.
Recent statistics from Essentia Health-Fargo highlight that about 15% of patient visits to the emergency department over the past week were related to influenza. Data from the Minnesota Department of Health, logged on December 21, 2023, indicates over 5,100 influenza cases statewide, a significant increase from fewer than 1,900 cases just two weeks earlier. The ongoing prevalence of COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) further strains healthcare resources across the region.
As respiratory illnesses continue to escalate, Essentia Health remains dedicated to providing timely and appropriate care options to its patients, ensuring that emergency services are reserved for those in critical need.
