Whether you or a loved one is ill or just experienced an injury that needs immediate attention, it’s helpful to understand the process that takes place when visiting the Emergency department.

Step 1:  Quick Look Nurse
Upon arrival, patients check in at the Quick Look desk and receive an identification bracelet. The Quick Look nurse interviews each patient for a brief medical history and the reason for their Emergency department visit. The nurse also provides a brief exam which includes checking blood pressure, pulse, respiration, temperature and oxygen level.

The Quick Look process helps determine the severity of the patient’s condition to assure that the most urgent patients are seen by the physician first. Some of our facilities, however, have implemented an Intake Area option, a specific treatment area for minor illnesses or injuries.

The Quick Look nurse may initiate limited diagnostic tests in order to smoothly expedite a patient through the treatment process. 

Step 2:  Registration
Next, the registration process is completed by providing the necessary information to begin the medical chart. The patient may also receive some testing to diagnose and treat the problem. If available, patients will be directed to a private exam room. Otherwise, patients are asked to wait in the lobby area until their name is called. It is important that patients or family members notify the Quick Look nurse immediately if symptoms change or worsen.

Step 3:  Treatment
The testing process continues once the patient enters the treatment area.  While the physician directs patient care at all times, other members of the care team who support the physician may be providing care as well. Team members may include a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, physician assistant, registered nurse practitioner, medical or radiology technician, physical therapist, respiratory therapist or social worker.  Often there are a variety of tests that need to be done to correctly diagnose and treat a patient’s concern. 

Step 4:  Re-Evaluation
After treatment, the emergency physician re-evaluates the patient. Based upon test results, patients may be discharged home or admitted to the hospital. Any hospital admission and on-going care will be directed by the patient’s private physician or one assigned from the Emergency department's on-call specialists.

Step 5:  Going Home/Discharge
Patients who are treated and discharged home are provided with complete after-care instructions to follow.  It is very important that patients follow up with their private physician. (If you don’t have a personal doctor, we can recommend one for you.)

Additional tips:
To speed up the process and help the health care team treat you or your family member, it’s helpful to bring a list of current medications, list of allergies and insurance verification. You may also want to bring any activities or materials that might help you pass the time you may spend waiting.