Disclosure :: This post is sponsored by Ochsner Lafayette General.
What Type of Care Do I Need? Virtual, Primary Care, Urgent Care or Emergency Department
Deciding the answer to the question – what care is right for me (or my child) is a tough
one. But know that Ochsner Lafayette General is here to provide the right care at the right time for you and your family.
Here, we’ll explain each level of care, pros and cons of virtual visits, primary care, and
urgent care and when you should head to the emergency department.
Virtual Visits | $
Whether you can’t make it to the office or just prefer a visit with the doctor from the
comfort of your own home, Ochsner Connected Anywhere makes it simple. These virtual
visits offer immediate access to a healthcare provider from your smartphone, tablet or
computer. And when you have your prescriptions sent to an Ochsner pharmacy, you can
take advantage of free prescription delivery to your home or office anywhere in Lafayette Parish.
Here are some conditions that you can easily receive care for via a virtual visit:
- Cold/cough
- Allergies and sinus issues
- Urinary tract infections
- Fevers
- Pink eye
- Sore throats
- Stomach aches
- Rashes (photo sharing is recommended for a successful visit)
Primary Care | $$
With some physicians offering both in-office and virtual visit options, a primary care physician can treat chronic medical conditions, customize a preventative health
screening plan and, if needed, can connect you to specialists to provide continual
support.
And primary care isn’t just for adults. Family medicine doctors can see patients 1 year of
age and up. Visit your primary care physician for:
- Annual checkups
- Immunizations
- Chronic disease management – high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar
- Non-life threatening allergic reactions
- Minor burns or injuries
- Mild asthma
- Stomach aches
- Back pain
- Mild/Moderate chest pain
- Headache
Urgent Care | $$$
When primary care isn’t available or you need quick treatment after hours for any non-life threatening issues, urgent care is the best option. And Ochsner Lafayette General offers several convenient locations throughout Acadiana.
Unlike emergency rooms who treat patients based on the severity of their conditions,
urgent care centers see patients on a first come, first serve basis.
Ailments that urgent care can help with include:
- Ear infections
- Fever/flu-like symptoms
- Small cuts that may require stitches
- Abscesses
- Non-life threatening allergic reactions
- Minor burns
- Lacerations
- Dehydration
- Rashes and other skin irritations
- Sunburns and heat ailments
- Mild/moderate asthma
- Coughs, colds and sore throats
- Mild/moderate headaches
- Urinary pains
- Some immunizations
- X-rays
- Sprains, simple fractures, or broken bones (fingers and toes)
Emergency Room | $$$$$
When you’re faced with a severe and/or life-threatening situation, our emergency rooms
are open 24/7/365 to provide critical care for a variety of issues.
As a Level II Trauma Center, Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center handles the
highest level of trauma in the Acadiana region. Our facility staffs essential physician
specialists providing comprehensive care around the clock and throughout the patient’s
illness and injury. The hospital has a large adult intensive care unit (ICU) staffed 24/7 by
intensivists (physicians specializing in critical care). In addition, Ochsner Lafayette
General Medical Center offers a Dedicated Pediatric Treatment Area within the
Emergency Department, open daily from 1 p.m. – 9 p.m. and staffed by pediatricians.
Our emergency care extends throughout the region:
- Ochsner Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital
- Ochsner Acadia General Hospital
- Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopedic Hospital
- Ochsner St. Martin Hospital
- Ochsner American Legion Hospital
Seek emergency treatment if you, a child or family member is experiencing any of the
following:
- Trouble breathing
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Seizures
- Changes in vision
- Difficulty speaking
- Suicidal or homicidal feelings
- Chest or upper stomach pain or pressure
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Unconsciousness or difficulty waking
- Severe burns
- Suspected poisoning or overdose
- Broken bones
- Neck stiffness with fever
- Head injury (that includes fainting and/or confusion)
- Injury to neck or spine (especially with loss of feeling or inability to move)
- Cut that is large or deep or that involves head, chest or stomach
- Suddenly not able to speak, see, walk or move
- Suddenly weak or drooping on one side of the body
- Dizziness or weakness that doesn’t go away
No matter what care you’re in need of – from a quick virtual visit to emergency services – Ochsner Lafayette General has you covered. With a compassionate, patient-first mindset, our skilled teams are ready to assist you day or night.
About the Author
Dr. Shauna Bienvenu-Oubre is a part of the Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Doctors Physician Group and brings her expertise in family medicine to the Acadiana area. She has been practicing medicine since 2016 specializing in several areas of women’s health. Dr. Bienvenu-Oubre received her Doctor of Medicine from LSUHSC-Shreveport School of Medicine and completed her residency at Ochsner Lafayette General University Hospital & Clinics. Outside of work, she enjoys watching football, volunteering and spending time with her family. Dr. Bienvenu sees patients 1 year old and up. She’s located at the Ochsner Health Center – Pont Des Mouton at 409 W. Pont Des Mouton Road in Lafayette. To schedule an appointment, visit doctors.ochsner.org or call 337-806-1525.
