Emergencies

A life-threatening medical emergency is "a condition that would result in permanent loss of health, well-being, or life itself in the absence of immediate medical attention."

Emergency Rooms

Life-threatening emergencies require attention in a hospital emergency room. If you have such an emergency, seek immediate care in the nearest ER, and have them notify this office. We are also affiliated with the emergency rooms at the Mount Sinai Medical Center [Madison Avenue & 101^st Street] and Beth Israel Medical Center Singer Division [East End Avenue & 88^th Street].

Ambulances

Calling 911 will get you an ambulance that will take you to the nearest ER. Private ambulances that will take you to either Mount Sinai or Beth Israel Singer Division are Associated Ambulance (212) 628-5757, or Metropolitan Ambulance (212) 251-0066 or (718) 251-8888. Fees for private ambulance services are covered by Medicare and managed care plans.

Urgent Non-Life Threatening Medical Conditions

In the event of an urgent non-life threatening medical condition, please do not come to the office without first speaking to the doctor to determine the most appropriate place for you to receive care. At the discretion of the doctor, such urgent care may be arranged on a referral basis at the office of an appropriate specialist, or you may be referred directly to a hospital ER.

If you present to the office with an unexpected medical emergency, the physician may, at his discretion, call 911 for your transportation to the nearest ER. In such cases, you may not have the option of going to either Mt. Sinai or Beth Israel Hospital, so it is always preferable to speak to the doctor first before coming to the office. Walk-in visits without appointment are not encouraged, may require a considerable wait, and even then may require referral elsewhere.

Some acute conditions, such as persistent vomiting or diarrhea, may or may not be medical emergencies, but for the safety and comfort of other patients, are inappropriate in the setting of a private medical office, and will be referred automatically to an ER. Patients with such symptoms are requested not to make office appointments, but to call for specific instructions. Patients with acute traumatic injuries, including falls, fractures, head and neck injuries, lacerations, etc., are instructed to go to the nearest ER immediately, and notify your insurance carrier directly. Such patients cannot be treated in this office.

We attempt to accommodate all urgent medical conditions with appointments within 24 hours. Established patients on immunosuppressive therapy have priority at all times. Antibiotics are not prescribed over the telephone; controlled substances are not prescribed - or refilled - by phone; and prescription refills must be called in during regular office hours. We will not refill prescriptions during off hours. These are not emergencies.