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According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, nearly 2.5 million Americans are affected by hospital-acquired pressure ulcers each year. What is more concerning is that about 60,000 patients die annually as a direct result of a pressure injury. Pressure injuries are costly, painful, and dangerous. Those that develop while in the hospital may require special care when returning home.
A hospital-acquired pressure injury is a skin injury or bedsore that occurs during a patient’s hospital or nursing facility stay. It is a pressure injury that is caused by a breakdown of the skin or underlying tissue. Pressure injuries may occur due to several factors, including:
While recovering in the hospital, you may get pressure sores from lying or staying in one position for a long time, especially over bony prominences.
Common pressure sore locations include:
Pressure injuries and skin tears take a long time to heal. Thus, having a wound or pressure injury wound may prolong a hospital stay. Pressure injuries may become severe and cause infections or permanent muscle or bone loss.
When it is time to return home from the hospital, you may still have open areas or ulcers.
Here’s what to keep in mind when it comes to caring for your hospital-acquired pressure injuries at home.
If you have an open wound but are unsure if it is a true hospital-acquired pressure injury, you must still take measures to help the skin heal and prevent further problems.
To care for broken skin or wounds at home, you should:
While many injuries heal on their own with time, you should call your doctor if the area looks worse or if it doesn’t heal in 7-10 days.
You should also call your doctor immediately to have a look at your wound if you notice these signs of infection:
Patients or caregivers must give special care to skin ulcers and hospital acquired pressure injuries to prevent complications.
If you need to talk with one of our expert doctors or you want to learn more about virtual services, contact us now to find out about how to book a free or low-cost appointment. My Virtual Physician offers video consultations for pressure injuries and other wounds.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. The information, graphics, and images on this site are not intended to substitute diagnosis or treatment by a medical professional. Always seek the advice of a licensed physician for any questions you may have regarding a specific condition.
"Bedsores (pressure ulcers)". mayoclinic.org. Accessed July 20, 2022.
"Dressing interventions to heal pressure ulcers". ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Accessed July 20, 2022.
"Pressure Ulcers". aafp.org. Accessed July 20, 2022.
"Preventing Pressure Ulcers in Hospitals". ahrq.gov. Accessed July 20, 2022.
Sarah Falcone, BSN, RN, WCN-C, CSWD-C, is a certified wound care nurse, nursing consultant, and health content writer in Fort Worth, TX. She works with clients in home health, wound care, and telemedicine. Sarah is a passionate advocate for moving advanced levels of care to the home, where her clients can safely receive the medical treatments they need with greater satisfaction and comfort. She focuses on patient experience, outcomes, and advancing clinical models using innovative technology to serve patients better. Sarah draws from 15 years of practicing patient care and nursing leadership to share her own nursing experiences and expertise online. Connect with her on LinkedIn!
Many Americans faced job losses this year. That means that a lot of families lost their health insurance. That leaves many wondering, can you make a doctor's appointment without insurance?
Doctors and healthcare facilities allow individuals to book appointments without insurance. When scheduling an appointment, patients are asked about who will pay for the services. Without health insurance, it is possible to pay out-of-pocket. If paying for treatment without insurance coverage, it is important to consider factors like necessity and cost.
Here's what you need to know when booking a doctor's appointment without insurance.
Healthcare providers, like doctors, treat patients' health concerns. When it is time to see a physician, the first step is to contact them for an appointment.
To make an appointment to see the doctor, patients will need these things:
Those who are not covered by a health insurance plan can still schedule an appointment. The doctor's office will charge the patient directly instead of billing an insurance company.
Making a doctor's appointment without insurance is just like making an appointment with coverage. In most situations, patients can receive the same treatment.
Sometimes a test or medication is very expensive without insurance. However, doctors will often discuss what treatments or procedures are necessary and how costly they may be. That is why it is good to talk with a doctor even if you don't have insurance.
A recent poll found that about 44% of Americans would not go to the doctor if sick or injured because of the cost.
Many providers offer discounts for cash-paying customers. Others may be able to arrange payment plans. There is nothing more valuable than your health. Skipping the doctor because you don't have insurance is a bad idea.
An average doctor's appointment costs between $68 and $234, according to Debt.org. The charge may change depending on how difficult the condition is and how much time the doctor spends with the patient.
One cost-saving alternative to an in-office appointment is telemedicine. Online doctors offer significant savings to patients, including the expense of time and travel. And some online doctors offer reduced visit fees as well.
Even those with insurance can benefit from saving money on gas and cutting the wait time by booking a virtual physician appointment. All of the top private health insurers offer some telehealth coverage.
My Virtual Physician offers the best in telemedicine services. They regularly add new insurance plans, but those without insurance can see a doctor today for only $49.99. Each patient at My Virtual Physician receives patient-focused, quality care with or without health coverage.
If you've experienced a job change or lost health insurance coverage, check with My Virtual Physician for a doctor near you. Book now with the secure patient portal. And get the care you need.
