Local ER physicians: 'We have never seen people neglecting their personal health care as much as they are right now'

As leaders of two large emergency departments in metro Detroit — Trinity Health Livonia and Trinity Health Oakland — we have more than 40 years of emergency care experience between us. During our professional careers, we have never seen people neglecting their personal health care as much as they are right now, and it is coming at a significant price to their overall wellbeing.

Though health care deferral is an issue that predates the COVID-19 pandemic, the problem is much worse now than it was just three years ago.

Specifically, we are treating more patients with chronic heart disease, which is leading to more cardiovascular emergencies like heart attacks and strokes. In many cases, our patients could have avoided these life-altering medical events altogether if they had sought proper and timely preventative care. All it takes is an annual wellness check with a primary care physician, a follow-up appointment for diagnostic imaging, or even a simple blood test.

It's not only physical illnesses we are concerned about. We are also seeing more patients abusing substances, including alcohol and drugs. This has been worsened over the last few years by the pandemic, as well as social isolation. Substance abuse is exacerbating an ongoing mental illness crisis in this country. We are seeing more and more mentally ill patients fill our emergency departments, seeking treatment for numerous conditions because their overall health has deteriorated. Many of these patients could have avoided an ER visit and hospitalization had they sought the support of outpatient medical services and trained specialists equipped to offer counsel and treatment.

As emergency medicine physicians, we have committed ourselves to treating everyone who comes through our doors. We are here for the communities we serve and we want the public to see us immediately for all possible emergencies. That said, please don’t consider the emergency department as your one and only site of care. Other care venues, especially a primary care office, are critical for preventing the need for emergency care. If you don’t already have a primary care doctor, Trinity Health Michigan can refer you to one at www.trinityhealthmichigan.org/find-a-doctor. Thanks to virtual visits, it is easier than ever see a doctor, so be sure to consider that if it best meets your needs.

For patients with behavioral/mental health issues, there are many resources available for support. Please don’t wait. Any primary care physician can provide initial care, and then offer further direction on where to get help — including connecting you with a qualified psychiatrist or counselor — and help educate you on support programs such as peer recovery groups.

Bottom line, those that are proactive with their health care are more likely to avoid the ER and the chronic illnesses that affect so many living in our community. If something is bothering you or doesn’t feel right, please schedule an appointment and speak with a physician immediately. And remember, our ERs are here for you, open 24/7, every day of the year if you require emergency care.

Patricia Paz-Arabo, MD, is the Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Trinity Health Livonia.

Rahul Mehta, MD, is the Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Trinity Health Oakland.