Your Outpatient Visit

Your heart rate, breathing or respiratory rate, blood pressure, and temperature are known as your vital signs. Measuring your vital signs helps your healthcare provider understand how your body is working.

Strep throat is a contagious infection of the throat and tonsils caused by the streptococcus bacteria. It can make your throat feel painful and scratchy. Strep throat can be treated with antibiotics. But first, you need a medical test to make sure your sore throat is being caused by the bacteria.

A computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. A CT scan shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs.

A computed tomography (CT) scan is a type of imaging test. It uses X-rays and a computer to make images or slices of the body. A CT scan can make detailed pictures of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, organs, and blood vessels. They are more detailed than regular X-rays.

This video will teach viewers how to describe their abdominal pain and identify some of the possible underlying causes, as well as learn strategies for at-home care.

This video will teach women how to describe their abdominal pain and identify some of the possible underlying causes, as well as learn strategies for at-home care.

This condition is a problem with the function of your bowels. It can be an issue for you as you age. Constipation can be related to your diet or your daily routine. But for some people, it can be a sign of a more serious disorder.

This video will teach viewers what causes chest pain, how to accurately describe and recognize the different types of chest pain, and how to relieve symptoms or seek out emergency medical care.

Sometimes you find yourself fighting for air. No matter how hard you try, you just can't seem to get enough. It's scary. It leaves you feeling worried and uneasy. How does this happen? Well, it's usually linked to a problem with your lungs or your heart.

This video will teach viewers how to recognize the symptoms of a threatened miscarriage in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, as well as what they should do when symptoms appear and what they can expect from their doctors.

This video will teach viewers what causes kidney stones and their symptoms. They will also learn how kidney stones are diagnosed and treated.

This video will teach viewers how the common cold is transmitted and how to treat its symptoms with over-the-counter medications and home-care strategies.

Watch this to understand what the differences are between a cold and an allergy.

Know when to call your doctor if you experience symptoms of the flu.

This video will teach patients strategies for treating diarrhea and vomiting at home, as well as recognizing when they should seek out medical help.

Learn ways to help decrease lower back pain and restore motion and strength.

Rhabdomyolysis is a condition in which a large amount of muscle is damaged. It is a medical emergency and needs treatment in the hospital.

A foreign object can get into the cornea. A trapped speck of dirt or grit is often a minor problem. But anything metal, or an object that goes through (pierces) your cornea, can cause severe damage. Here's what you need to know about getting emergency medical care.

Even severe heat stress can appear suddenly, so learn the warning signs and how to treat them.

When your child has a fever, it can be frightening. Some fevers can trigger a seizures in a child. They are usually brief and rarely cause problems.

We've all experienced the sneezing, coughing, sore throat and fever of a common cold. But what, exactly, is a cold? And how do you fight it?

Have you ever been sick? Did you sneeze and cough? Did your throat hurt? We call this a "common cold," or just a "cold." Let's learn about colds and how to fight them.

A bite from an animal can be very dangerous. Besides obvious injuries like tissue punctures and tears, bites can also introduce germs. Whether from a wild animal or from a pet, an animal bite - even one that seems minor - can cause a serious infection.

Watch this video to learn how to treat constipation.

Watch this video to learn how to take care of yourself when you have diarrhea.

Different eye disorders will affect sight in different ways. Use these vision problem simulations to get an idea of how eye disorders affect vision.

This is a swelling or an inflammation of the conjunctiva, a thin, clear layer of tissue in the eye. The conjunctiva covers the white part of your eye, and also the inner side of your eyelids.

Watch this video to learn what dehydration is, symptoms of dehydration, and why it's important to stay hydrated.

Watch this video for a checklist on how to reduce your risk of becoming dehydrated.

You get this illness from eating contaminated food. It may have bacteria, viruses or parasites in it. Or, it may have toxins in it that were created by these organisms. Food poisoning can make you very sick. It can kill you.

If your scalp itches, you may have a lice infestation. Lice are tiny insects that like to live in the hair on your head. They bite your scalp and feed on your blood. And they can spread from one person to another.

This is a virus that infects the lungs and airways. For most people an infection isn't dangerous. But for babies, the elderly, and for people who have a weakened immune system, infections can be severe.

This is a break of one of the thin, curved bones that protects your chest cavity. Your ribs connect to each other with layers of muscles. They attach to your spine. With a minor fracture, your rib may only be cracked. With a severe fracture, you may have a complete break. Your rib may shift out of place.

This is a bacterial infection of your throat. It can pass easily from person to person. It is most common in children, but adults can also contract this infection.

Many of us have broken a bone at some time in our lives. A broken bone can be frightening and painful. But with time (and proper care), your body will heal even a bad fracture. Have you ever wondered how that process works? Let's take a moment to learn more.

For many people, drinking alcohol becomes a habit. And we know too much alcohol is bad for health. If you're worried you drink too much, that's something you need to discuss with your doctor. But it's hard to talk about, isn't it? Here are some tips to help you.

This is a viral infection you get from a mosquito bite. For most people, it's not serious or dangerous. You can get it and not even know you have it. But for some people, it can be life-threatening.

This is an infection of the digestive system. It causes loose, watery poop. Traveler's diarrhea gets its name because it often strikes after visits to places with poor public hygiene.

This is nausea triggered by a sense of movement. It happens in cars, trains, boats or airplanes. It can happen on rollercoasters and other rides, and when you use virtual reality devices. And some people are more likely to get motion sickness than others.

You've just flown across time zones, and now you don't feel quite right. You may be groggy, tired and cranky. You're getting hungry at odd times. You have jet lag. It's a problem for many air travelers.

Whether you have a chronic skin ulcer, a surgical wound or some other skin injury, proper wound care is important. Without it, even a minor skin wound can turn into a big problem. If your doctor has given you a wound care plan, follow it carefully. Let's also review some wound care basics.

A blunt injury to your abdomen can be very serious. It's important to get medical care right away, even if you feel OK. Here's what you need to know.

Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas you can't see or smell. Breathing in even small amounts can make you sick. Large amounts can be fatal. Know the signs and symptoms.

A contusion (bruise) happens when a blow to your body doesn't break the skin but does break blood vessels beneath the skin. Blood leaking from the broken vessels causes redness and swelling.

Prompt treatment for even mild dehydration is crucial. At greatest risk for dehydration are infants, children, and older adults. Know when to seek medical help.

Anaplasmosis is an illness caused by bacteria that's spread by ticks. The bacteria are called Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The illness causes fever, muscle aches, and other symptoms.

A rash is a common skin condition that occurs when the skin is irritated. A rash can be red, itchy, swollen, dry, or painful.

Understand the difference between a penicillin allergy and a side effect.

Here is how to pick crutches that correctly fit you.

Here is how to pick a walker so that it fits you correctly.

This video shows the steps of giving yourself a shot.

Here is how to safely go through doors using a walker.

Here are the steps for going through a door with crutches.

Here is how to go up and down curbs using a walker.

Here are the steps for sitting with a walker when you can't put weight on your leg or foot.

Here is how to safely sit down with a walker.

Here is how to safely sit down using crutches.

Here are the steps for sitting with crutches, when you are able to bear weight on your foot.

Here are the steps to standing with a walker, when you are not able to put weight on your leg or foot.

Here is how to safely stand up using a walker.

Here is how to stand using crutches.

Here are the steps for standing with crutches, when you are able to put weight on your foot.

Here is how to use a cane.

Here is how to safely use a cane on stairs.

Here are the steps for using a walker when you can't put weight on your leg or foot.

Here is how to use a walker.

Here is how to safely use crutches on stairs.

Here are the steps for using crutches with "step through" for weight-bearing walking.

Here are the steps for correctly using crutches with "step to" for weight-bearing walking.

Here is how to use crutches with swing through.

Here is how to use crutches with swing to.

You've just received a diagnosis from your doctor. Maybe it's one you were expecting. Maybe it was a surprise. But now, it's time to focus and get the facts. Here are a few questions you should ask your doctor.

This video will teach viewers how to recognize a possible concussion, including symptoms of a concussion, as well as gain an understanding of how to recover from a concussion and when it's safe to resume activities.

This is a set of symptoms that you may have after a concussion. That's when your head is hit so hard your brain is injured. You can have a concussion even if you don't lose consciousness.

After a concussion, you may have some unexpected physical and emotional effects. You may experience things like headaches, memory problems and depression. We call this "post-concussion syndrome." You can have this syndrome even if your injury didn't seem severe. And, these effects can last for a long time.

This video will teach viewers how the influenza virus is transmitted, how to recognize its symptoms, and how to treat it at home. They will also know when to seek medical attention in severe cases.

This video will teach viewers how bronchitis is transmitted and how to recognize its symptoms. They will also learn how it's diagnosed and treated, including at-home strategies for symptom relief.

This video will teach viewers what causes pneumonia and how to recognize its symptoms. They will also learn strategies for treating pneumonia, including safe antibiotic use, and when they should seek medical help.

This video will teach viewers the symptoms and causes of cellulitis, as well as how it is treated in the doctor's office and what they can do at home to relieve symptoms.

Watch this video to learn what causes gallstones, the symptoms, complications, and treatment strategies.

This video will teach viewers the major causes of neck and back pain, as well as at-home strategies to relieve neck and back pain, including the use of over-the-counter medications.

This video will teach viewers how RICE is used to treat joint injuries, as well as give them tips on how to correctly apply the techniques at home.

This video will teach viewers how to take care of their cast until it completely hardens and after it hardens, and when to call their provider.

You've broken a bone, and for the next several weeks you'll be wearing a cast. Let's take a moment to learn how to care for it.

This video will teach viewers how to stand, sit, walk, and go up and down stairs safely while using crutches.

This technique uses laser light to promote the healing of injured tissues. It may be used to replace invasive procedures such as injections and surgery. In some cases, it may reduce the need for physical therapy.

The crutches or walker you use must be the right size so that you can move about safely. This video shows you how to correctly fit either crutches or a walker.

This video shows you how to use your crutches to go up and down stairs, how to move through a doorway, and how to get in and out of a motor vehicle.

During this outpatient procedure, the physician removes a mass that has formed beneath the skin of the foot. This animation will show the removal of the most common type of soft tissue mass (a ganglion cyst). A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled sac that is connected to a joint capsule or tendon sheath. Ganglion cysts commonly form near the ankle.

This video shows you how to use a walker when you need to keep all weight off one leg, and how to use it when your doctor says it's OK to put your foot down between steps.

Walking with crutches takes some practice, but it's not difficult. This video shows you how to use different gaits with your crutches, depending on whether you can put weight on the injured leg or foot.

When you arrive at the ER, the hospital staff needs to quickly figure out how sick or hurt you are. They need to know if you have a life-threatening medical problem and if you need a doctor immediately. They do this with a process called "triage." Let's take a moment to learn more about it.

You're in the ER, and we've examined you and made a care plan. Now it's time for treatment. What can you expect?

You're in the ER, and it's your turn to be seen by the doctor. Let's take a moment to learn what you can expect.

When you visit the ER, you're probably not having a very good day. You may be in pain. And you want help now. But in many cases, you'll have to wait. Often, patients who come in after you get seen before you. Why does this happen?

Do you know what to do if you encounter an emergency? Follow these clear instructions and be prepared.

Rescue breathing is needed if a person collapses and stops breathing. In CPR, rescue breathing may also follow chest compressions if a person's heart is not beating. Know the steps.

Shock occurs when the body's supply of oxygen decreases. First aid can slow the progression of this life-threatening condition until emergency medical care is available.

It's important to know how to help someone who is choking. This sheet can help.

Call 911 if you can't stop the bleeding or the victim shows signs of shock.

Follow these illustrated step-by-step instructions to learn how to bandage a wound.

A break in the skin is an open door, inviting dirt and germs to enter your body and cause infection. Learn how to prevent infection with correct first-aid care.

Helpful information on treating poisonous bites and swallowed poisons.

Intense cold can freeze the water in the body's cells (frostbite). In addition, exposure to cold may cause the body's overall temperature to drop (hypothermia). The result can be death.

Be prepared. Know what to do for heat exposure.

A heart attack is an emergency, but the condition that causes it usually takes years to develop. Over time, fatty substances collect on the walls of the heart's arteries. As these arteries become narrower, it's more likely that one will become fully clogged, causing a heart attack.

A break in the skin is an open door, inviting dirt and germs to enter your body and cause infection. Follow these instructions to care for a puncture in the skin.

Some chemicals cause burns. Others may be absorbed through skin or lungs, causing hidden damage.

Cuts, scrapes, and burns are hard to avoid. Most minor injuries can be treated at home. A small wound may threaten your health if it causes severe blood loss or becomes infected. Call your doctor if a wound doesn't heal within a couple of weeks.

Most bites and scratches from household pets are nothing to worry about. But some bites or scratches can be serious. Others may become infected or pose the risk of rabies. So it's best to talk with your healthcare provider or get medical care.

Most insect bites are harmless and cause only minor swelling or itching. But if you're allergic to insects, such as wasps or bees, a sting can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction. The venom (poison) from scorpions and certain spiders can also be deadly, although this is rare. Knowing when to get emergency care could save your life.

You're most likely to come in contact with biting or stinging marine life when you're swimming or wading. Learn how to get care if that occurs.

Human bites can be more serious than animal bites because they often become infected. Many severe human bites occur during fights when a fist strikes someone's teeth. These bites may damage tissue deep in the hand. Children may bite each other during play or fights.

Snakebites are often harmless, but a few can be deadly. Even nonpoisonous bites may sometimes cause an infection or allergic reaction. That's why getting treatment right away is vital. Read on to learn more.

Learn all about tick bites, including removing a tick, common symptoms of tick-borne diseases, and when to get medical help after a bite.

If your cooling system fails, your body temperature can rise to very high levels. This is called heatstroke and it can be deadly.

One of the greatest risks of fire other than burns is smoke inhalation. Find out what to do if you are caught in a building with smoke.

You or a loved one may have had an accident or serious illness. If so, you are likely to be worried and afraid. Knowing more about the emergency room (ER) can help you feel less anxious.

Dehydration happens very quickly in infants and small children, who don't have as much fluid to spare. It can quickly become very serious. Rehydration is the crucial process of returning those fluids back to the body to restore normal functioning.

Be prepared. Learn what to do if your baby has an object in the airway.

A blocked airway can be very serious, even deadly. Choking can block the flow of air and cut off oxygen to the brain. This can cause permanent brain damage or death.

It will take some time for your gunshot wound to heal. Follow these instructions and any others your healthcare provider gives you to help you recover at home.

Here are images that show the steps for doing the Heimlich maneuver on a baby.

Here are images that show the steps for doing the Heimlich maneuver on a child.

Refresh your skills in CPR. Here are the steps to know, including how to use an automated external defibrillator.

To use your walker, you need to learn new ways to get around in your home and other places you need to go. Always use an elevator if one is available. If you have to use stairs, try to have someone below to guard you.

Here are images showing how to use a walker on stairs.

Here are images showing how to pick crutches that correctly fit you.

Bronchitis is an infection of the air passages in the lungs. It often occurs along with a cold. A severe bronchitis infection is treated with an antibiotic.

Bronchitis is inflammation and swelling of the lining of the lungs. It is often caused by a viral infection. This is not treated with antibiotics.

A fever is a normal reaction of your body to an illness. The temperature itself often isn't harmful. It actually helps your body fight infections. You don't need to treat a fever unless you feel very uncomfortable.

Pneumonia is an infection deep in the lungs. Learn how to care for yourself at home with this condition.