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|  | Emergency Services Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will I have to wait to see a nurse or a physician?
Depending on the severity of a patient’s injuries or ailments they may have to wait for an extended amount of time for treatment. Waiting to see a physician can be one of the most stressful parts of seeking ER treatment. The busiest times in the ER are on weekends, evenings and holidays, when doctor’s offices are closed. However, the ER staff of highly trained physicians, nurses and support staff will do everything possible to ensure patients are treated promptly. Also, the ER provides care to patients based on treatment-assessment guidelines, known as triage, which states that the order in which patients are seen is based on the severity of the patient’s injuries or ailments, instead of by the order in which patients are received.
2. Will I be allowed to have visitors during my treatment?
Yes, generally, but to ensure the emergency treatment room isn’t crowded and the emergency team has sufficient space to provide care quickly and effectively to patients, only one visitor per patient is allowed in the ER.
3. When and how do I pay for treatment in the Emergency Department?
After ER patients have been provided treatment, they will receive a bill for the medical care and services they received during their ER visit. Patients who have insurance will be asked to pay a co-pay or portion of the bill and the bill will then be submitted to the patient’s insurance provider. If the insurance carrier doesn’t pay the remaining balance of the bill, then any cost the insurer doesn’t cover will be sent to the patient for payment. Patients without insurance may be asked to pay their bill before leaving the ER.
4. Will I receive care instructions before I leave the ER?
Yes, and it’s very important that patients follow their care instructions accurately. Also, if a patient doesn’t completely understand the instructions or has questions over the care instructions they received, then the patient should ask an ER employee to explain it to them. It’s the responsibility of the patient to provide and manage his or her own care after leaving the hospital. We also encourage patients to arrange follow-up appointments with their primary care physicians. The ER staff can refer an ER patient to a physician for after-care if necessary. | | |
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