What to Expect

Upon arrival you will be seen by a triage nurse who will assess your symptoms to determine the severity of your condition. The triage nurse will obtain your vital signs, a list of your current medications, and any information pertaining to your past medical/surgical history. If your condition is not life-or limb-threatening, you may be directed to the waiting room, as the most critically ill and injured patients are treated first in an emergency department. (It's not first come, first served and having health insurance does not mean you will be seen quicker.)

During your visit, be proactive and ask questions about anything you don't understand. If you are critically ill or require IV medications or fluids, you may be admitted to the hospital. An emergency physician will discuss your plan of care and treatment with your primary care physician before you are admitted.

Laboratory & X-Ray Testing

An emergency room physician may need to order diagnostic laboratory or X-ray testing in order to make better informed treatment decisions. These tests take time to be collected, processed and interpreted. We will do our best to keep patients and families informed. While waiting for test results, it is necessary for patients to remain in the Emergency Department.