How To Use This Booklet?
How To Use This Booklet?
1. Look in the table of contents where you will find various
problems listed in alphabetical order,
2. Read the section which will help you. For most health problems, you will find information
on:
the cause of the problem
home treatment
when you should call the doctor and
how to prevent the problem in the future
What To Do When Home Treatment Doesn't Work?
If home treatment doesn't work or if you are concerned about what to do, you should call your doctor. The best time to call is during our regular working hours (Monday -Friday, 8am-5pm) when doctors and staff are available for appointments.
A doctor is also available for medical emergencies at night and on the weekends. To contact the doctor, call the Medical University operator at 792-2123. The operator will call the doctor at his/her home. The doctor will then call you.
In some cases, the problem may be handled by telephone. If you need to be seen, the doctor may see you at the Family Medicine Center or the Charleston Memorial Hospital Emergency Room. Unless it is truly a life or death emergency, do not go to the emergency room without talking to your doctor first.
If you are elderly, in poor health, or having symptoms that you think are related to a certain health problem, always call for medical advice first.
Kidney or Bladder (Urine) Infection
Muscle, Joint, and Bone Injuries
Vomiting
Acknowledgements
This Home Health Handbook is made available to you by the Department of Family Medicine,
Medical University of South Carolina. It has been paid for by a patient education grant from the
Hunt Foundation. It has been developed and revised by the Patient Education Committee,
faculty, residents, and staff of the Department of Family Medicine in cooperation with the
Department of Educational Services of MUSC, Charleston, SC.
Copyright 1992, 1986, and 1979 by the Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of
South Carolina.
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