What to Expect at the ER
Learn about what to expect when you or a loved one visits an emergency room for care at PIH Health.
When You Arrive
A registered nurse will start your visit by learning more about you and the reason for your visit. This is called triage. Expect your triage nurse to:
- Ask about your symptoms
- Review your medical history
- Briefly examine you
When Will I See a Doctor?
People who require the most urgent care will be treated first. When you arrive you will meet with a member of the emergency triage team who will evaluate your condition and make you comfortable in the most appropriate area of the department.
The following information provides an explanation of the sorting standard of how patients are evaluated for treatment in the emergency department:
- RESUSCITATION: Conditions that are a threat to life requiring immediate aggressive intervention to restore or preserve life.
- EMERGENT: Conditions that are a potential threat to life, limb or function requiring immediate intervention.
- URGENT: Conditions that are a serious illness or injury requiring intervention. Usually associated with significant distress or discomfort.
- LESS URGENT: Conditions presenting as an illness or injury requiring intervention. Usually associated with mild to moderate distress or discomfort.
- NON-URGENT: Conditions that are a minor illness or injury for which intervention could be delayed or deferred. Usually associated with minimal or no distress or discomfort.
Registration
A team member will talk with you to get the information we need to begin your patient record, order diagnostic tests, and treat you. Make the registration process go as smoothly as possible by bringing:
- Health insurance information
- Information about any recent medical procedures or test results
- List of current medications (or the medications in their original packages)
- List of known allergies
- Personal identification
Getting Care
When it’s your turn for care, a provider who specializes in emergency medicine will evaluate you. Your provider may order imaging tests or other diagnostic tests to learn more about your condition. Count on us to do our best to keep you informed about the process.
When your diagnostic tests results are available, your provider will tell you the best next steps for you. Depending on your condition you may:
- Receive treatment and return home
- Be admitted to the hospital
Ask your care team questions at any time.
Follow-Up Care
Before you go home, you’ll receive written instructions about how to care for yourself after you leave the ER. It’s very important that you understand and follow these instructions, including taking all medications as prescribed.
Take care of your health by following up with your primary care provider or the doctor we refer you to.
If your condition worsens and your primary care provider is not immediately available, please feel free to return to the ER. We are here to help you.
