What to Expect When Arriving to the ER
Here’s what you can expect during your visit to TMH’s Emergency Departments:
STEP 1: TRIAGE
At check-in, you will be asked for personal information and the reason for your visit. This will help us create your chart in our system. A triage nurse will assess the severity of your condition based on symptoms, medical history and vital signs (i.e., heart rate, blood pressure, etc.).
STEP 2: TREATMENT
We take a team approach to your care. You may see multiple nurses and technicians to help expedite your treatment. During your visit, you may be moved to an assessment room or the Results Pending Lounge depending upon where you are in your treatment process. Every patient is evaluated by a physician or advanced practice provider. To expedite your care, we may ask for blood samples or urine specimens, take images (such as x-rays) or perform EKGs before a provider sees you. Depending on your treatment plan, we may start an intravenous (IV) line to administer medications or fluids as ordered by your provider.
Estimated wait times for testing
(these may be run at the same time):
During your visit, we will update you about your treatment progress. If you have any questions or concerns about your care, please ask a member of your care team for assistance.
STEP 3: REEVALUATION
Your condition will be reevaluated after initial treatment and test results are received by your provider. Please be sure to let your care team know about any new or worsening symptoms during your stay.
STEP 4: DISCHARGE
Your provider will determine if you are able to be discharged or if you require further evaluation and treatment. When you are discharged, you will receive printed instructions on homecareand follow up.
Please let us know if you do not fully understand these instructions. Be sure to notify your primary care provider (if you have one) that you were seen and treated in the Emergency Department.
If you do not have a primary care provider, you can find one at TMH.ORG/PrimaryCare.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I still be seen if I don’t have insurance?
We evaluate all patients who seek care at our Emergency Departments regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Our registration team will assist with your consent for treatment and collect any insurance information you may have. If you are uninsured, you will receive information regarding financial assistance.
Why do I have to wait?
The most critically ill and high-risk patients are seen first. The availability of an appropriate treatment room for your condition is also a factor. You may see others go before you; please know we are doing our best to see all patients as quickly as possible.
What if my doctor called ahead?
Your doctor calling ahead helps us to coordinate your care, but does not guarantee that you will be seen sooner or that a bed will be ready upon your arrival.
Why is my visit taking so long?
Testing and evaluating patients takes time. Testing that often takes several days through a primary care or specialty provider is completed in several hours in the Emergency Department setting. There are several factors that affect the length of your visit:
• The number of patients currently in the Emergency Department and/or the number of patients who require immediate attention.
• Consulting specialty physicians outside of the Emergency Department for individualized treatment plans who may be unavailable at certain times.
• The availability of Emergency Department beds or the availability of an appropriate inpatient bed based on specialty care required and patient needs.
• Processing and interpreting test results (especially if specialty testing is performed) or the number of patients in the department requiring the same test.
What if I want to leave?
Please discuss any potential decision to leave the Emergency Department before testing is complete with your nurse or provider. Leaving without being evaluated or prior to treatment completion is a serious, potentially life-threatening decision in some cases.
Thank you for choosing TMH to care for you.
