What to Do After an Emergency Room Visit

An unexpected visit to the emergency room (ER) can feel overwhelming, even after your immediate concern is resolved. Once you’re home, it’s common to have questions about what steps to take next and how to make sure you stay on the path to recovery. In the days after your visit, a few simple actions can help you heal safely, feel confident in your progress, and reduce the chance of needing to return to the ER.

Follow your care plan

Before leaving the ER, your care team will give you discharge instructions. These instructions explain what was treated during your visit, what steps to take next, and which symptoms to watch for. Following them closely can help you feel more in control and support a smooth recovery.

Your discharge instructions may include recommendations for:

• Taking medications: If you were prescribed medications, make sure you understand how and when to take them. Keep them in a safe and easy-to-remember place. Contact your pharmacy or provider promptly if you have questions.
• Monitoring your health: Track how you feel each day and note any new or unusual symptoms to catch potential problems early.
• What to do if symptoms worsen: It’s important not to ignore signs that your condition is getting worse instead of better. Watch for trouble breathing, sudden weakness or confusion, increasing pain, or a high fever. These could be signs of a more serious situation and should be addressed immediately.

Read more: Understanding Your Care Options: Immediate Care, Primary Care and Emergency Room Visits

Schedule your follow-up visit

Checking in with a primary care provider (PCP) after an ER visit is one of the most important steps in your recovery, and it is often the step people overlook. Even if you continue feeling better, try to schedule your visit within 7 to 14 days of your ER visit.

During your appointment, your PCP can:

• Confirm your recovery is progressing as expected
• Clarify instructions, medications, or test results from the ER
• Plan ongoing care or referrals for long-term health

Often, these follow-up visits can be done virtually, making it easy to get expert care without needing to travel to a clinic. When you make your follow-up appointment, ask if this could be an option for you.

If you don’t yet have a primary care provider, Adventist Health is here to help you access the care you need and support you through every step of your recovery. Use our Find a doctor search to select a provider at a clinic location convenient to you.

Read More: How to Choose a Primary Care Provider

Prioritize your well-being

An ER visit can leave you feeling vulnerable and unsure about what’s happening with your health. And in some situations, it can be the result of a traumatic situation. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to your whole-person health and to not pressure yourself to “bounce back” right away.

As you continue recovering, consider supporting your well-being these ways:

• Rest and pace yourself. Your body needs time to heal.
• Eat nourishing meals and stay hydrated.
• Ask for help from friends, family, or caregivers if you need it.
• Check in with your emotions. Journaling, mindfulness, or talking with someone you trust can help.
• Reach out for professional support: If stress, anxiety, or other mental health concerns feel overwhelming, Adventist Health offers mental health services to support you.

Taking care of both your mind and body is an important part of recovery. Supporting your emotional and physical health helps you return fully and confidently to your normal routine.

Need help or have questions?

Adventist Health is here to support you as you recover. If you are unsure what to do next or need guidance, contact your care team or primary care provider. We are here to answer your questions and guide you through each step of your healing.