Aftercare Following Your ED Visit

When should I follow up for medical care after I leave the Emergency Room?  

We always recommend at a minimum that you should try to see your primary doctor within one to two weeks of an emergency visit, but even sooner if you’re not feeling entirely back to normal. However, if you feel that your symptoms are worsening in any way you are always welcome to return to the Emergency Room.

Why do I need a primary care doctor and how do I find one?

Primary care doctors are probably the most important doctors in the healthcare system for you and serve as the central hub for all of your care. Once you have established a relationship with a primary care doctor, this doctor and their team will help you navigate care for your health concerns and will coordinate additional consultations or tests, if needed. 

If you do not have a primary care doctor, please let your ER care team know and they will do their best to help you identify an appropriate physician. You can also locate a primary care doctor affiliated with NewYork-Presbyterian at doctors.nyp.org.

How do I reach the doctor who discharged me?

Typically you will be unable to reach the doctor who cared for you during your visit to the ER. However, if you have medical questions regarding your ER visit, you can call the Follow-Up Office of the Emergency Room at 212-746-0595 and speak to one of our nurse practitioners. This service is available seven days a week from 8 am to 6 pm.

I am having a problem with my prescription and/or I have lost my discharge instructions. Where can I get help?

Please call our Emergency Room Follow-Up Office at 212-746-0595. Our nurse practitioners will be happy to assist you. This service is available seven days a week from 8 am to 6 pm.

How do I obtain my medical records? 

If you are being discharged following the completion of your ER evaluation, you will either be provided with a paper copy of your lab test results and imaging studies or sent the information in a text message. You can request your full medical records by visiting medical records.

You can also access your health records through the NewYork-Presbyterian patient portal, Connect, which enables you to:

• View test results
• Manage your appointments
• Pay bills
• Contact your doctor’s office
• See records and summaries of your visits
• Have a visit by video with your doctor

Sign up for Connect at any time by visiting https://www.myconnectnyc.org/MyChart/.