Guide to Visting the Emergency Room

Millions of people visit the Emergency Room every year.  Many times these visits are used in place of primary care physicians which backlogs critical care and increases costs for all patients. 

We hope that you can use this guide to determine if the Emergency Room is where you need to be and how to make your Emergency Room visits less stressful and more organized.

KNOW WHEN TO CALL 911 - If you are suffering from something life threatening; such as trouble breathing, excessive bleeding and loss of consciousness, call 911.  When calling 911, the paramedics will take you to the nearest hospital.

DON'T GO ALONE - Always bring someone along for support, that can provide information and/or treatment instructions, and/or can translate if English is not your first language.

BRING IMPORTANT MEDICAL INFORMATION - Create an "Emergency File" that contains insurance cards, list of medications and the last time you took them along with the dosage, any chronic conditions, and any operations that you have had.

WAIT - Your visit will on average last about 3 hours; especially on weekends.

ASK QUESTIONS - When being treated, always ask what is being done and why and make sure that you understand what the results mean.

KNOW YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE - Ask about out of pocket expenses.

BE HONEST ABOUT YOUR CONDITION - How you got your injury may be embarrasing, but it is detrimental that you tell the ER doctors the correct information.

DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR PRIVACY - The hospital staff will make sure that you have the privacy you ask for.  If you od not waant friends or family to know certain things ask for privacy.

GET DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS IN WRITING - Make sure that you know exactly how to care for yourself and what to do if your condition worsens.

DON'T KEEP GOING BACK TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM - The Emergency room should not be used in place of a primary care physician  Only return to the Emergency Room if your symptoms worsen.  If you are the same or better, do follow ups with a primary care physician.