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MEDICAL EMERGENCIES ON THE ROAD

RVing Women   March/April 2001

 Medical emergencies on the road can cost you thousands of dollars more than it would had the problem occurred on home ground.  Use of hospital emergency rooms vs. an office visit; recovery at home vs. hospitalization…there are many factors that make dealing with medical emergencies away from home more difficult and expensive.

Getting medical attention nowadays isn’t cheap, and even if you have a medical insurance policy, you’re usually responsible for deductibles and costs beyond those approved by the insurance company.  The complexity of insurance paperwork, the justification requirements and the delays in receiving payment have changed the way people do medical business.  This is especially true if you’re not a regular patient.  At most of these locations, it's not uncommon to be asked how you’re going to pay your bill at the same time they’re asking you about your problem.

Knowing in advance how you’re going to handle a problem can save you a lot of grief – and a lot of money.

The best protection, of course, is to keep yourself in good physical shape.  You should know your limits and learn how to handle medical emergencies so you’re not limited in your choices when the emergencies arise.  And, hopefully, be properly insured.

If you’re allergic to certain drugs or treatments or have a chronic problem like high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, etc., invest in a Medic Alert membership.  The American Medical Association reports that there are more than 40 million Americans who suffer from some medical problem that could benefit from quick identification prior to treatment during an emergency.  For information on the Medic Alert program, call 800/ID-ALERT.

If you’re carrying a health insurance ID card issued by a major health care provider, make sure it’s up to date and not scheduled to expire during your trip.  With the right card you should have no problem convincing the admissions personnel or doctor’s receptionist that treating you immediately is not a financial risk.  You may still be required to pay up front, but you’re assured that you’ll get some compensation for that portion covered by your policy.

If you’re facing a major expenditure, explain that you’re traveling far away from home and not really prepared to deal with an expensive medical emergency.  They might agree to take a partial payment on the strength of your insurance coverage.  It never hurts to ask.

If you encounter an emergency on the road, alternatives to rushing to a hospital emergency room include health centers, urgent care centers or freestanding clinics, usually listed in the Yellow Pages under “clinics.”  Some are operated by local hospitals to reduce emergency room traffic and some are privately owned by a group of local doctors.

Follow these steps to prepare for any medical emergency you may encounter while traveling in your RV.

·         Take first-aid and CPR classes.

·         If you experience heart attack symptoms, immediately take an aspirin.

·         Pack a first-aid kit.  Familiarize yourself with its contents before they are needed.

·         Replace first-aid items before they reach their expiration date.

·         Pack additional quantities of aspirin, hydrogen peroxide, liquid antibacterial cleanser, and ipecac syrup.

·         Seek medical attention for any condition that seems out of the ordinary.

·         Inform others if you are experiencing problems.

·         Prepare and travel with a medical history on paper.  Type, reduce, and laminate to carry in your wallet or purse.

·         Use Medic Alert bracelets and necklaces, when appropriate.

·         Have medical insurance information available for health-care providers.

·         If traveling with minors who are not your children, have legal documentation from the parents authorizing you to make medical decisions for them.  Have medical powers of attorney for traveling partners.

·         Be aware of your surroundings.  Know the locations of hospitals and carry maps of the area.

·         Aspirin can significantly reduce the complications of a heart attack.

·         Carry your medical history, which should include vital statistics, health problems, medical, surgical and family history, prostheses/implants, medications, primary physicians, insurance carrier, and next of kin.