What to Expect in the ER

Emergencies can happen at any time. That’s why Banner Health emergency departments are always open to provide care when you need it most. We understand that a trip to the ER is often unexpected and can feel overwhelming. Our team is here to support you, ease your concerns and make your visit as comfortable as possible. 

When every minute counts, you want answers and treatments without delay. This guide will help you understand what happens in the emergency room, so you know what to expect from the moment you arrive until you leave. 

Arrival

When you walk through the doors of the emergency department, you’ll see the check-in and registration area. A registration staff member will greet you and collect some basic information, such as:

• Your name, date of birth and address
• A photo ID and insurance card, if available
• Your primary care provider’s name
• The reason for your visit

This information helps build your medical record. You will also receive a hospital ID bracelet. This wristband is an important safety measure. It helps your care team verify your identity and ensure all tests, treatments and medications are correctly linked to you during your visit.

Triage

A specially trained triage nurse will meet with you after registration. The nurse will ask about your symptoms and take vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, temperature and oxygen level.

Unlike a regular clinic, the ER does not see patients in the order they arrive. Instead, patients are prioritized based on medical need. This process, called triage, means someone with chest pain will be seen before someone with a sprained wrist, even if they arrived later.

Even during busy times, your condition will be monitored and escalated if necessary. We want you to understand that your safety is our top priority and each patient is cared for according to their medical needs.

Waiting and fast-track care 

After triage, you might spend some time in the waiting area. Wait times can vary depending on:

• How many patients are being seen
• How serious their conditions are
• The availability of open treatment rooms

We understand that waiting is hard, especially when you're not feeling well. Our team will keep you updated as much as possible and we’ll check on you if your wait is longer. Please speak up if you start feeling worse. Your safety is our top priority.

If your condition is less serious, you might be placed in a fast-track area. This part of the ER is designed for patients with minor injuries or illnesses who can generally be treated more quickly. Examples include cuts, sprains, mild infections or simple fractures.

Evaluation, tests and treatment

Once you’re brought into a treatment room, your care team will start assessing your condition. Depending on your needs, your team may include doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses and technicians. 

You may undergo tests or procedures to help diagnose your condition. These may include:

• Bloodwork: To check for infection, anemia or organ function
• Urinalysis: For kidney or urinary symptoms
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): For chest pain or heart concerns
• Imaging tests: Such as X-rays, CT scans or ultrasounds
• Other specialty tests: As needed, based on your symptoms

Tests can take some time. Lab results might take an hour or more and imaging depends on how many patients are ahead of you. While you wait, staff will keep checking on you and offering comfort measures, such as warm blankets or water, if needed.

Once your results are ready, your provider will explain the findings and discuss your treatment plan. This may include medications, procedures or referrals to specialists. If you don’t understand something, please ask to stay informed.

Discharge or admission

After diagnosis and treatment, your care team will determine if it's safe for you to go home or if you need to be admitted to the hospital.

• If discharged: You’ll receive clear instructions on how to care for yourself at home, what symptoms to watch for and when to schedule follow-up care. You may also be prescribed medications. If you don’t have a primary care provider, we can help connect you with one.
• If admitted: You’ll be moved from the ER to a hospital room, where an inpatient team will continue your care.

What if I can’t pay?

By law, Banner Health provides emergency screenings and stabilizing treatments to all patients, regardless of insurance coverage or ability to pay. This is required under federal EMTALA guidelines.

If you are uninsured or underinsured, Banner Health offers financial assistance programs to help with the cost of your care. Our outpatient financial services team can answer your questions and guide you through available options.

Learn more about financial assistance options.

What to bring with you

Knowing what to do before an emergency occurs can make a difference for you and your family. Work with your loved ones to create a plan for how you'll respond to different types of medical emergencies. Ensure everyone knows when to call 911, when to go to the emergency room and when urgent care or visiting a health care provider is the best choice.

Here are some things to include in your family’s medical emergency plan:

• Emergency room details: Addresses and phone numbers
• Family contacts: A call list with phone numbers for each number
• Items to pack: Phone chargers, books or tablets, personal items, identification, insurance cards and comfort items
• Parking instructions: Know where to park to save time in an emergency
• Preferred locations: Know the names of your go-to emergency rooms and urgent care centers, including pediatric and adult options
• Health records: Maintain a copy of important health information, such as medication lists, vaccination records, allergies, advance directives or legal health documents

But remember: When you’ve decided to come to the emergency room, don’t delay to gather your belongings.

Need care now?

Find a Banner Health emergency room near you

Learn when to go to the ER