Navigating healthcare can be complex, especially when you’re unsure about the urgency or type of care you need. Northwestern Medicine offers a convenient and efficient solution with its Self-Triage tool, integrated directly into your MyNM account. This tool is designed to help you assess your symptoms from the comfort of your home, providing recommendations and guiding you towards the appropriate care within the Northwestern Medicine network. Whether you are looking to understand your symptoms or find a doctor within the Northwestern Medicine system, the Self-Triage tool is an excellent starting point.
Accessing the Self-Triage Tool in MyNM
The Self-Triage tool is readily accessible through your MyNM account, whether you prefer using the MyNM® app on your smartphone or a web browser on your computer or tablet. Here’s how to access it:
- Log into MyNM: Begin by signing into your MyNM account. You can easily access the login page at mynm.nm.org.
- Navigate to the Main Menu: Once logged in, locate and click on the main Menu within the MyNM interface.
- Find Self-Triage: Under the Find Care section in the menu, click on Self-Triage. This will take you to the symptom assessment tool.
For parents or guardians using the Self-Triage tool for a child, it’s crucial to log in using the child’s MyNM account with proxy access. Pediatric symptom assessment is specifically available for patients under 18 years old. If you need proxy access, you can find the necessary forms and information on the MyNM Proxy Access page. Proxy access allows you to manage the MyNM account of another patient, such as your child.
Understanding Symptom Options in Self-Triage
Once you access the Self-Triage page, you will find a comprehensive list of common symptoms to choose from. This list includes:
- Stomach and back pain
- Cold and flu symptoms
- COVID-19 related concerns
- Diarrhea (for both adults and children)
- Ear pain (specifically for children)
- Headache and head injury
- Muscle and joint discomfort
- Rash (affecting adults and children)
- Urinary tract infection symptoms
- Vaginal discharge
Simply click on the symptom that best matches your concern to begin the assessment process.
Receiving Care Recommendations
After selecting your symptom, the Self-Triage tool will guide you through a series of questions to gather more details about your condition. These questions will cover aspects like the duration of your symptoms and other relevant information to help determine the appropriate level of care.
Upon completion of the questionnaire, the tool will provide you with a care recommendation tailored to your situation. These recommendations may include:
- Call 911: In case of a medical emergency.
- Go to the Nearest Emergency Department: For serious conditions requiring immediate attention.
- Go to an Immediate Care Center: This could be for a virtual or in-person visit, suitable for urgent but non-emergency issues.
- Make a Primary Care Physician Appointment: Again, offering options for both virtual and in-person consultations for less urgent concerns. This is a great option if you are looking to find a doctor for ongoing care within Northwestern Medicine.
- How to Care for Yourself at Home: For situations that can be safely managed with self-care.
Each care recommendation comes with detailed instructions on how to proceed. Importantly, if you do not currently have a primary care physician within Northwestern Medicine, the tool can assist you in scheduling a new patient visit, making it easier to find a doctor and establish primary care.
It’s important to note that care recommendations for physician visits through the Self-Triage tool are specifically for primary care, including Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, or Pediatrics. The tool is not designed to recommend specialist appointments such as cardiology or orthopedics.
Utilizing the Symptom Checker for Other Symptoms
If your symptoms are not listed within the main Self-Triage options, you can use the Symptom Checker box. Clicking on this option will redirect you to an external website, outside of your MyNM account, but still a valuable resource provided by Northwestern Medicine.
The Symptom Checker tool will also ask you questions about your symptoms and their duration. Based on your responses, it will provide recommendations, which may include visiting a physician, an Immediate Care Center, or the Emergency Department, ensuring you receive guidance for a broader range of symptoms and helping you find a doctor or the appropriate care setting within Northwestern Medicine when needed.
By using the Northwestern Medicine Self-Triage tool, you can proactively manage your health concerns, understand your symptoms better, and efficiently find a doctor or the right care option within the trusted Northwestern Medicine network.
