What to Expect

ER Guidelines

Please refrain from eating or drinking. It will shorten the wait if you need lab work, X-rays or surgery that requires an empty stomach.
If you feel you are getting sicker while waiting, notify the staff member at the registrar’s desk, and he or she will contact a triage nurse.
The hospital cannot be responsible for your valuables, so please send all valuables home with a family member or trusted friend.

ER Procedures

Upon Arrival

We ask that you please follow the ER procedures below upon arrival

Sign in at the triage desk. We use a triage system to ensure our physicians see the sickest patients first. A triage nurse will assess each patient to determine the priority of treatment.
The admitting registrar may ask for important personal information, such as your address and phone number, so please have that information available.
Once you are in the treatment area, ER staff may need additional information to assist the physician in further evaluating your illness or injury. You will also be asked to change into a hospital gown at this time. Then a physician will examine you and order appropriate tests to evaluate your condition.
Please be patient. Consider the current demand on staff and the number of tests required for the physician to give you a proper diagnosis.
Remain in your room with the door closed whenever possible to help maintain the privacy and confidentiality of all our patients. A call bell is available at your bedside if you need immediate assistance.

Upon Discharge

If you are discharged directly from the Emergency Room, you will receive written discharge directions. We will refer you to a private physician or one of our on-call physicians for follow-up care. Please let us know if you require the services of a social worker or at-home nursing care. We will refer you to the appropriate person.

If you should need financial assistance or have questions regarding your statement, call Customer Service at (615) 328-5500. We will be happy to assist you with any concerns you may have.