What to Expect at the ER
Come to the emergency room if you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms:
- Chest pain and symptoms of heart attack
- Stroke symptoms
- Severe breathing problems
- Bleeding injuries
- Major injuries, especially head injuries
- Serious burns
- Broken bones
- Poisoning
- Major allergic reactions
What to Bring to the ER
Bring the following items, if possible:
- List of current medications (or bring the medications with you)
- List of known allergies
- Information about any recent medical procedures or test results
- A responsible adult or the phone number of someone to contact
- Personal identification
- Health insurance information
What to Expect During Your Visit
Triage
When you arrive, a registered nurse will ask the reason for your visit, talk to you about your medical history and perform a brief exam. This process, called triage, is the beginning of your medical treatment. Triage makes sure patients with the most serious conditions are treated immediately. We recognize that all of our patients have illnesses or injuries that concern them, and we promise to listen to your concerns and see you as quickly as we can.
Treatment
An attending physician who specializes in emergency medicine will do a more in-depth evaluation and may order IVs, tests or procedures. Some results will be available quickly; some may take more time. We’ll do our best to keep you informed about the process and welcome your questions at any time.
Registration
A team member will ask you for information, such as personal identification and health insurance, to begin your patient record. This enables us to order tests and track information about the results.
Re-Evaluation
The doctor will re-evaluate you once your test results are available. You may be prescribed medication or sent for additional testing. Based on your condition, you will be discharged, admitted to the hospital or referred to another doctor for follow-up.
Discharge
You’ll receive complete written instructions for care before you go home. It’s very important that you understand and follow these instructions and take all medications as prescribed to take care of your health. Be sure to follow up with your personal doctor or the doctor you’re referred to. If you have questions after discharge, feel free to give us a call.
After Your Visit
Patient Satisfaction
You may receive a Patient Satisfaction Survey in the mail as part of our commitment to provide our community with excellent emergency care. Please complete it and return it to us. You will also receive a post-discharge phone call within approximately 24 hours of your visit to ensure that you understand your discharge instructions and have filled your prescriptions.
Your feedback helps us recognize and reward team members who have provided you with exceptional care and improve our care if we fell short of your expectations.
