It's important not to delay care in a true emergency
Seek medical care immediately when you experience symptoms, as delaying can make them worse. Depending on the severity, you can call 911, go to an emergency room, or visit an urgent care facility. Don’t wait to address your symptoms, as they can quickly escalate without proper medical intervention. For example, mild chest pain could indicate a heart attack, which, if untreated, can lead to severe cardiac damage or even death.
Some medical conditions can lead to additional complications if not treated promptly. For instance, delaying treatment for symptoms of a stroke can raise the risk of permanent brain damage or disability. In some cases, the longer care is delayed, the less effective treatments can be. This is especially true for conditions like stroke, where certain interventions are time-sensitive.
Did you know? In the United States, someone has a stroke every 40 seconds, and unfortunately, someone dies from a stroke every 4 minutes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), "The key to stroke treatment and recovery is getting to the hospital quickly. Stroke patients who are taken to the hospital in an ambulance may get diagnosed and treated more quickly than people who do not arrive in an ambulance. This is because emergency treatment starts on the way to the hospital. The emergency workers may take you to a specialized stroke center to ensure you receive the quickest possible diagnosis and treatment."
Delaying emergency care in such situations can limit the available treatment options and decrease the likelihood of a full recovery.
The cost of delayed care
Concern about costs is often one of the biggest roadblocks to accessing emergency care. According to a 2024 YouGov study, one-quarter of Americans say that during a medical emergency in which they needed immediate transportation, they did not call an ambulance due to the cost.
Many people think delaying emergency care to avoid paying an ambulance bill will save money. In reality, delaying or avoiding care can result in higher medical expenses in the long term. Untreated emergencies can lead to more serious health issues that require expensive treatment, hospitalization, and rehabilitation, which can significantly increase medical bills.
I'll just take a ride share!
Opting to take ridesharing services or taxis instead of an ambulance can also be a hinderance to timely care. The first 10 minutes following an injury are critical. If a patient opts for third-party transport versus an ambulance, receiving care within those first 10 minutes is much less likely to happen.
“If someone is opting to take third-party transportation, patient health outcomes do have the potential to deteriorate since they’re not getting the first line of service,” says Ken Euler, Vice President of Group Benefits Sales at MASA and former lieutenant and paramedic, with more than 20 years of experience serving communities.
Get the emergency care you need
Remember, getting the right care starts the moment help arrives, even before you reach the hospital. With MASA, you’re protected from out-of-pocket medical transport costs during an emergency, including related co-pays and deductibles. Delaying care during an emergency can lead to more serious health issues, but knowing you’re covered can make it easier to act quickly and confidently. Not sure what your plan includes? Visit the member portal to review your membership benefits.
