What to Expect at the ER
When you get care at an Adventist HealthCare emergency room (ER), you’ll have access to specialists and 24-hour lab and imaging services. You’ll receive a diagnosis fast so your treatment starts sooner.
What Should I Bring?
If possible, bring your ID, insurance information and medical history, including a list of medications you currently take.
Your Visit to the ER
If you don’t arrive by ambulance, you’ll check in at the Emergency Department at a reception desk. A nurse will check how severe your illness or injury is.
This assessment is known as triage. Triage determines how quickly you’ll be seen by a doctor. ER doctors treat the sickest patients first.
Physical Exam & Tests
To diagnose your condition, you’ll receive a physical examination. You may have:
- Cardiovascular diagnostic tests, like an electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Imaging scans, such as computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, ultrasound or X-ray
- Lab tests, including blood or urine tests
Your Test Results
The time it takes to get your test results depends on the type of test:
- Blood and urine tests – Two hours
- CT scan – Two hours
- EKG results – 10 minutes
- MRI – Four hours
- Ultrasound – Two hours
- X-ray – One hour
How Much Time Will My Visit Take?
The amount of time you’ll spend in the ER depends on your health condition, tests you receive and how many patients are getting care.
Why Do I Need to Wait?
Depend on our team to make the process as quick as possible and keep you updated and comfortable. You may have to wait if:
- Other patients have more severe, life-threatening illnesses or injuries
- Current emergency patients are moving to hospital rooms
- Seasonal issues, such as flu, increase the number of patients seeking care
- Your care team is waiting for your lab or test results
If your condition changes at any time, tell a nurse right away.
Treatment Plan
Based on your test results, symptoms and other factors, your doctor will create a care plan that’s right for you. You may:
- Stay at or move to a hospital for care. This is called hospital admission.
- Go home. This is called discharge. You’ll receive information about your illness or injury, advice on caring for yourself at home and follow-up instructions.
Depend on your care team to listen to your concerns and answer your questions.
Follow-Up Care
Contact your primary care provider to schedule any needed follow-up appointments with a specialist. You may need to bring your medical records from your emergency visit.
Paying for Treatment
Get help from our team to understand how to pay for your care. Once your condition is stable and you’ve been seen by a physician, you’ll be asked for your insurance co-pay or to make payment arrangements.
