FAQ

Part of the challenge that young people face in healthcare is that they don’t know or aren’t prepared how to manage their own health when they suddenly become adults, whether legally at age 18, because of early emancipation due to pregnancy, or in general. The whole point of this project is to give teens a place to start. It isn’t a comprehensive education on how to make it as an adult or even how to handle every health situation you face, just a friendly guide on where to start.

No. This is just an informational website with links to local services in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. The information here is not medical advice and is not intended to replace counseling from licensed professionals.

If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Always seek immediate medical attention for urgent or life-threatening situations.

Primary healthcare providers are licensed professionals who have been trained to manage and monitor health conditions over a long period of time. They can have titles like DO, MD, PA, or NP. These professionals handle healthcare on a general level and refer patients to specialists as needed.

Technically? Yes.

Should you? No.

Why?

Emergency Rooms are for… emergencies. Shocking, that! The point is, emergency rooms offer only a snapshot of your health in that exact moment. They are meant to screen for life-threatening situations, stabilize patients enough to be sent to the proper unit they need to receive continuing care, or to fix the immediate injury. They can set broken bones, fix dislocated joints, or stitch wounds shut. They designed for real emergencies like abuse, car accidents, strokes, heart attacks, or shock. If you aren’t sure, think about the ABC’s:

A- airway… are they choking or struggling to breathe? Are they having an allergic reaction and their throat is swelling shut?

B- breathing… did they stop breathing? Are they turning blue?

C- circulation… do they have a pulse? Are they bleeding and there is A LOT of blood?

D- disability… are they unconscious? Is their face drooping? Are they suddenly weak on one side? Are they suddenly altered in their mental status? (they aren’t making sense, they suddenly seem drunk but weren’t consuming alcohol, they are unusually falling asleep/hard to wake up)

E- exposure… can you see a bone? Were they in the heat/cold for a really long time? Did they inhale poisonous gas? Did they spill chemicals on themselves?

F- function… does it bend but it should? Should it bend but it doesn’t?

G- gut… did they swallow something dangerous like a button battery? Did they take too many pills? Did they drink something dangerous? Are they vomiting or pooping blood?

H- history… has this happened before? Was it an emergency then? Have you been told to go to the ER if something like this happens?

Beyond that, ERs are not meant to refill prescriptions, sore throats, STIs, because you haven’t pooped in two days, or to follow up. Basically, if a regular provider can do it in their office, don’t go to the ER for it. Sometimes you don’t have another choice, but avoid it unless you absolutely need it.

Trick question… Yes, you can always say no to a plan of care or to medication. You can always ask for alternative options or a second opinion. However, if you are under the age of 18 and not emancipated, your decision to say no to something should be discussed and agreed upon with your parents or guardians.

This one has a million answers and really depends on your own understanding and experience with healthcare.

-If you get a new diagnosis, ask questions like: “What does this mean for me long term?”, “What can I do to reduce risks/symptoms?”, “How will this affect my body?”, “What are my options?”

-If you need to learn to do something on your own like giving insulin, ask: “Can you show me how?”, “Will you watch me to make sure I’m doing it right?”

-For any new medication, ask: “Will that interact with [insert any medications you’re already taking]?”, “What are the side effects of this medication?”, “How often and for how long am I supposed to take this medication?”, “Is there anything I should avoid while taking this medication?”

Always remember you can ask as many questions as you need. You can also call back in to the office after you’ve left if you need clarification.

Telehealth is an amazing service that many clinics and providers offer. It allows you to connect with healthcare professionals no matter where you are. This is especially useful in rural areas where traveling to a clinic is difficult or time consuming, Providers can do initial exams, follow ups, prescribe medications, ask and answer questions, or refer you to a specialist based on these telehealth appointments. It gets better too, telehealth can be used for mental health visits as well.