|
NOTICE: Due to an increased demand in emergency services, wait times may be longer than usual. We appreciate your patience. Learn about getting the right care at the right place. Routine COVID-19 testing for people without COVID symptoms is NOT available in our Emergency Department. If you need a COVID-19 test, please visit a COVID-19 testing site or use an at-home test. |
||
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Visits
We know that an emergency center visit is a challenging and stressful time for you and your family. Please do not hesitate to ask questions and seek help from any member of our emergency care team.
What happens when I first arrive?
When you first arrive, you will be met by some of our most experienced nurses. You will be asked several brief questions and have your vital signs taken. This will allow us to quickly assess the degree of your medical condition. This process, called "triage," ensures that patients with the most serious medical problems are treated first.
How long will I have to wait?
If your condition needs immediate attention, you will be taken directly to a treatment area. Otherwise, you may be asked to wait until the next treatment room becomes available. You may be given medication to treat your pain or other symptoms.
Once the triage process is complete, you may experience a wait. However, it is important to realize that while you are waiting our team is determining the most appropriate treatment for your condition. Waiting times vary, as we must ensure that patients with the most serious injuries and conditions are treated first.
We thank you for your patience during this time. Our team is available in the waiting area to assist you and answer your questions. We will update you on your wait as often as possible.
Can family be with me while I am being treated?
We encourage your loved ones to be with you throughout your stay. There may be times, however, when we may need to ask family and friends to wait outside the treatment area. If this happens, our staff, with your permission, will do their very best to keep your family members informed. Our case managers assist with both inpatient and outpatient services.
What happens after I have been treated?
If the emergency physician recommends admission to the hospital, he or she will discuss this with you and may call your primary care physician along with one of our Hospitalists to make the necessary arrangements.
If you are to be discharged, a physician or nurse will review your written instructions with you, including any medications prescribed, and answer any questions you may have. You will be given a referral to your own physician, or possibly to a specialist for follow-up care. Please stop at our Discharge Center to complete your emergency care.