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Guide to Emergency Care

If you are considering a visit to the emergency department, we know that you or your loved one may not be feeling well. This guide was developed to make your visit to Adventist Medical Center as satisfying and worry-free as possible.

Our goal as health care professionals is to care for you and your family in a safe, competent, caring and timely manner. Because of our vision to be the best place to receive care, our average time to see a health care provider is 30 minutes or less; however, that time may vary depending on the number of patients we are caring for and the severity of their conditions.

In this guide, you will find information about the Emergency Department process and the average wait times for steps we may take to care for you. If your condition changes while you are waiting, please let your nurse know immediately. If you are waiting and need more information, please ask. Your emergency care team is there to care for you.

Steps

Step 1 – Sign In

Once you arrive in the Emergency Department (ED), please sign in with the receptionist. After you sign in, please have a seat and a nurse will call you to a private area for your evaluation. You will receive respect and compassionate service while in our ED.

Step 2 – Evaluation (Triage)

Your health condition will be checked and taken seriously during your evaluation, or “triage”. An evaluation includes at a minimum: blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate, past medical history, medications, chief complaint and possibly a physical exam, depending on the condition. This evaluation helps us determine which patients are to be treated first. A patient whose condition is life-threatening will be top priority. Once your evaluation is completed, your next step will be to wait for a “bed” assignment. Often, blood tests, medical imaging and other studies are ordered at this time to help your health care provider diagnose your condition quickly and accurately.

Step 3 – Patient Care Bed Assignments

Once you are evaluated, you will be assigned to a “bed” in the appropriate care area for your condition and treatment. Not every patient receives a traditional ED “bed,” but instead may receive their care in a stretcher, chair or recliner. Additionally, the bed may be behind a curtain, in the hallway or in front of the nurses station. Your condition will determine what type of bed assignment you receive. When you go to your bed, you may be asked to put on a patient gown before your examination.

The busiest care time in the ED is from 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. During this time, the wait for a bed may be longer than usual. Room placement can be immediate or may take several hours. This depends on how many ambulance patients, sicker patients and overall patients receive care. You also may be asked to wait in the waiting room until the results of your tests are received. Remember, your privacy will always be respected, and we are always sensitive to your needs. If you have a particular need that we have not anticipated, please ask about it.

Step 4 – Your Care

Once your treatment has begun, the length of time you are in the department will vary depending on your condition and the traffic within the department. Your doctor or nurse may order tests, including blood work and X-rays, that can take from one to four hours. Your doctor may also order additional tests after receiving the first set of results.

If you need more information about your wait, please ask your nurse. Your nurse and doctor will identify themselves to you, care for you and check you at least every two hours to closely watch for any changes in your condition. Based on your condition, they will explain your treatment, give you appropriate attention, answer any of your health questions and show concern for your situation and sensitivity to your needs.

ED doctors and other team members specialize in emergency care. They will give you immediate treatment based on your condition and test results. However, if medical imaging tests, such as CT scans or X-rays, have been performed, we want your radiologist to provide input on your treatment. If your treatment changes after the reading, we will contact you. Some of your lab tests may require several days for results to arrive, and we will again contact you with any changes based on these results. During your visit, remember to help us manage your pain and help you feel safe – please use our pain scale to help us help you best.

Below is some information to keep you informed of the time required for various steps in your care.

Time to see doctor or doctor’s assistant: 15-30 minutes once you are in a bed
Blood tests: Up to 2 hours
X-rays: Up to 2 hours
Urine tests: Up to 1 hour
CT (CAT) Scan / Ultrasound: May take up to 4 hours

Step 5 – Discharge from the ED

If your lab results are not available at the time of your discharge, you might not receive a final diagnosis. We will refer you to the proper place for follow-up, or you may be admitted to the hospital if your condition requires. Medications and care at home will be explained. Your Adventist Medical Center team is committed to providing the best emergency care.

Step 6 – Check Out

After you are treated and released from the ED, we will need to confirm all of your information, collect your co-payment, if applicable, and answer any last questions. Please remember that accurate information is vital in case we need to contact you with additional information after your discharge. We hope you will return without hesitation if emergency care is needed and recommend this ED to others as the best emergency care provider.