Patients are seen according to the seriousness of their medical conditions.

• Critically ill patients are always seen before patients with less serious illnesses.
• Ambulances frequently arrive with seriously ill patients whose immediate needs take priority over other waiting patients.
• During the busiest hours of the day, patients with minor injuries and illnesses are seen by specially assigned staff in designated areas.

Quality care takes time. While every effort is made to make your stay as brief as possible, there are times when your visit may take several hours.

It may be necessary to order blood tests, x-rays, or other types of tests to assist in diagnosis and treatment. Lab results generally take an hour, although your length of stay may increase when complicated tests or consultations with other specialists are necessary. Severely ill patients receive first priority for x-rays which may delay other patients. Our state-of-the-art electronic medical records system allows for rapid transfer of information, and this helps keep your time in the Emergency Room as short as possible.

Patients must avoid eating or drinking prior to evaluation, as this may delay treatment.

The number of visitors allowed in the emergency treatment area is limited. This helps maintain privacy for all patients. Visiting may also be restricted based on the condition of the patient as well as the numbers of patients in the treatment area.

You will receive home care instructions from our emergency services staff. If you do not have a primary care physician, these instructions will include the name of a physician referred for follow-up care.

If you have any questions once you are home, please feel free to contact the Emergency Department at 714-741-2724.