(US) This weekend I think I sprained my knee. I at least did something to it because I can’t walk without feeling a great deal of pain. I work from home but I took today off because it takes forever to get around. Without my fiance home, I have to crawl to the bathroom. I’m hoping I won’t need to but should I need to take a third sick day off, I’ll need a note. There’s a hospital by me that’s in network but I don’t know what to do for an appointment.
I just moved in with my fiance (small rural city) so I know absolutely nothing about the hospital. Do I schedule something with a general physician, specialist, or do I just go in? I’ve never been out sick to the point of needing a note so it’s all new. I also could use crutches and I think the hospital may be the closest place that has some.
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If you have urgent care you can access, I would try that. Typically less expensive then the ER and they can issue doctors notes
If you don’t have a primary care doctor (get one! Get check ups!) then this is def a job for urgent care. They should be less expensive, faster and will def tell you if you need further evaluation
If you need a note soon, places that are considered walk-in clinics “urgent care” or “immediate care” are going to be your best bet. They will evaluate your injury, likely do an x-ray and possibly give you a brace. They may also want you to follow up with a specialist. Getting a doctor’s appointment or specialist appointment could take days or weeks, and the hospital’s emergency room should really only be used for life-threatening illness/injury, or after hours care in which there are no alternatives.
Edited to remove question about crutches. I see you already addressed that.
I’ve explained that I don’t have a Dr, and I’m not comfortable sharing my personal information regarding my health with my employer, unless I’m taking medical leave.
If they require a note, and won’t accept the above, urgent care. I personally have a cane on hand, because things like sprains can really cause issues. But, I’ve used crutches, too. My health is such, if I could, I’d keep a folding wheelchair on hand.
I rarely miss work when working remotely. I even have a couple solutions my Dr helped me work out.
One is a desk that goes over my bed for my worst times.
I hope you feel better.
It is odd your can’t work due to your knee. You might be fired, make a budget for that so you’re ready. Start looking at jobs and update your resume. Unemployment does not pay much and it’s better to be prepared.
For the doctor. Open Google Maps > type in urgent care > call the number > confirm they see patients that don’t have insurance > make an appointment if they take them > check their payment methods you’ll need to pay before the appointment > be sure to get a crutch.
If you literally can’t walk, you need to be in an urgent care. All of them should have an x-ray on site.
Even if you had a primary care doctor, this would be an urgent care visit.
I should have included this, but an urgent care will have a fee you pay up front for the visit. You will also have to pay up front for the x-ray. They’re unlikely to have crutches, and will send you to buy them. You may be able to get them at Walmart or a pharmacy. And since you’re rural, whether or not they have a brace if you need one is debatable as well.
If you do not have $150-300 cash to drop right this minute on the visit, your only option will be the ER. You do not have to pay, and they will not deny care or change the care they give you based on your financial status or lack of insurance. However, they will be significantly more expensive than an urgent care. Probably a couple thousand. But that’s a later you problem. And they will send you home with crutches or a brace or a wrap if they’re needed. The day of (or after) your visit, apply for Medicaid (even if you know) you’ll be denied, because you need proof of denial for the next step. The next step is getting and dealing with the bill. Immediately upon receiving it, apply for financial assistance with the hospital. Many (maybe even most) will require proof of denial of Medicaid for this. An important note here is that you will be billed separately for the physician that sees you, you can also apply for financial aid with the physician staffing service. And you may be billed separately for the radiologist, again, apply for financial aid there.
If for some reason you have to buy crutches yourself, check the thrift store. I noticed several sets at my local thrift store; it’s an item that people often donate.
An orthopedist is the specialist I would go to. The ER or urgent care are great if you just need a few days to get better. If you tore something that needs repair you need a specialist.
Does your insurance allow you to go straight to an orthopedist? If yes, go there. If none are available or insurance needs a referral go to an urgent care.
Urgent care. They’ll give you crutches, pain med, and referral to orthopedic surgeon.
Do you have health insurance ? Definitely urgent care (getting in with a primary or specialist won’t be quick) but be prepared to pay any co pays for the visit (usually it says it on your insurance card or portal what it’ll be) you could always call the customer number too. Make sure you go to one in network with your plan. I’d suggest calling the number on the back of your card to find a place, don’t just Google one.
Sounds like you may need an x ray. Is this a recurring problem? Definitely something you should see a specialist for if so.
Be prepared to pay. My daughter was sent home sick from work and was told she needed a doctor’s note to return. She went to urgent care where they literally only took her temperature and blood pressure and gave her a note. They sent a bill for over $400.
Yes. Urgent care as soon as you can. I have a PCP and I would go to urgent care in this situation. Look online to see where they are located. Most urgent cares have xray capabilities and crutches on site and you can get that in your visit as well. If you need further appointments or evaluations they will set you up.
Do not go to a hospital for a doctor’s note because your knee hurts. They’re not going to write you a note without examining you and since it’s a hospital, They’ll probably charge you like $1000.
Learn how insurance actually works. Just because it’s “in network” doesn’t mean you won’t owe the hospital money. There are copays and deductibles that have to met by you before insurance coverage actually kicks in.
Make an appointment with a doctor’s clinic or Urgent Care. They will want to examine you and it will probably cost money (read above about copays and deductibles).
Unless you’re at risk or dying and/or you can see bone coming out of your skin, don’t go to a hospital.
Before going to urgent care, would call if they do have xrays and a radiologist.
Ours didn’t took 150 and them told us to go to the ER, bc they don’t do xrays!🤪
Urgent care or primary care. Hospital is for life threatening issues, or ones that can go south quickly.
Call regular doctor. If you can get seen, go. If they can’t fit you in, then urgent care.
Go to the ED! I’ve learned (and have confirmed with both departments) if you need something taken care of immediately (stabbing, deep wounding) or if you need internal imaging, go to the ED. If it’s something else less severe, go to UC.
They’ll probably want to take an xray to rule out broken bones so ED is your best bet here.
Many Orthopedic offices have urgent care facilities on site. It’s pretty common to need them (people get hurt) and much more efficient than an ER visit. They can get you in and out with a diagnosis and treatment plan in one visit.
I’d try telehealth.
If you can’t walk, you need to go be seen by a doctor. Knee injuries are no joke.
Call your primary care doc, if you don’t have one, go to urgent care.