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Wednesday 28 OctOber 2020 locAl
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Urgency (UCA) or Emergency (ED)?

How to choose where to go for medical attention

tive to the emergency room, which can be
too costly and time-consuming for situations
like common illnesses and minor injuries. He
states that “While the ED at the Dr. Horacio
Oduber is best equipped to handle life-
threatening illnesses and injuries, it’s impor-
tant that patients are aware that there are
more affordable options available for less
serious situations.”

Due to shorter wait times – they offer a wait
time of 30 minutes or less – and much lower
prices, as a more convenient and afford-
able option than, but not a substitute for, an
emergency room. To help the local com-
munity and their visitors from abroad to save
money, Urgent Care Aruba known as UCA,
is gathering resources to educate and pro-
mote on the best healthcare options.

When care is needed for true emergency
situations, such as heart attacks, strokes,
major bleeding or severe burns, it’s vital to
go to the ED at the Dr. Horacio Oduber Hos-
pital immediately.

Financial Savings
When patients visit an emergency room
for a non-emergency, they risk incurring a
substantial financial loss. Emergency rooms
are more expensive for treatment of non-
life-threatening situations, while UCA at the
Noord Medical Center charges an average
of 1/3 of the cost.

Plus, a large percentage of all emergency
room visits could take place at UCA, which
would save consumers. Additionally, UCA
accepts certain travel insurance plans, with
either full coverage, co-pays, or they will
provide you with all pertinent documenta-
tion for reimbursement as a self-pay visit.

Understanding the options
“With the availability of a facility, such as
UCA, patients need to take care to un-
derstand their options,” Dr. Carlos Yagua
Jr said. “The emergency room prices can
cause sticker shock for patients who aren’t
aware of the distinction.”

Residents and visitors from abroad should
be sure to confirm the type of facility they’re
visiting, as treatment at the ER may cost
more than UCA at the Noord Medical Cen-

Dr. Carlos Yagua Jr. and Dr. Carlos Yagua Sr., son and father ter. q

ORANJESTAD — When on vacation and an unexpected health mishap arise, many people’s first re- Contact:
action is to head to an emergency room. But when those illnesses and injuries aren’t true emergen- Carlos Yagua Velasquez
cies, not knowing the best option for care can end up costing both time and money. UMC Urgent Medical Care NV
+297-5860448
cyaguav@urgentcare.aw
So how can you know where to go when medical attention is needed?
www.urgentcare.aw
Urgent Care Aruba (UCA) or Emergency Department?
UCA at the Noord Medical Center provide a way to keep up with patients’ daily healthcare needs,
serving as a vital link between the emergency room and primary care physicians.

Dr. Carlos Yagua Velasquez, Managing Director of UCA explains that they, as a family of nine (9)
physicians, started the development of UCA in 2013 because it provides patients with an alterna-