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No one wants to go to the ER, but sometimes it is necessary. When you do, it is best to be prepared to make you visit go as smoothly as possible. I have posted some information here that I hope will help those who have to use an ER.
Going to the Emergency Room:
An ER is different from a
doctor’s office in the respect that you may have never been there before and
may never be there again. The most important thing you should know: They CANNOT
REFUSE TO TREAT A PATIENT, BUT they can give basic medical care to stabilize
the patient and then move the patient to another facility. That being said,
here is a list of what you should bring with you to the ER.
- Your Name, DOB, Social Security #, address,
phone and relationship to the patient
- Name of patient
- Date of birth
- Social security number
- Address
- Phone
- Primary doctor’s name, office address, phone
- Name of insurance – bring the card so they can
make a copy
- Insurance ID #
- Insurance group ID#
- A list of ALL medications including over the
counter meds
- If you were hurt at work, your employer’s
compensation carrier’s information
- If you were involved in anything related to a
motor vehicle, your car insurance information
1. ***NOTE if you were hurt on the job or in a car, it
is illegal for an ER to bill any other insurance carrier for your illness, you
must provide the proper insurance information OR you will be billed directly.
Every
ER is different, some may have you sign in, and others may have you take a
number. If you are unsure of their procedure, ask.
1. Normally, you will be assessed (triaged) by a nurse,
at first. The nurse will take your temperature, blood pressure; ask about your
symptoms, why you are there, how long it has been going on, etc. Depending on
your illness or injury, they may even ask for a urine sample – please return this
to the nurse!
2. They will either take you to a room or ask to sit in
the waiting room until you are called.
3. Next you will see the receptionist. She/he will then
take all your information and register you. You will then be asked to return to
the waiting area.
********IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS AT ANY TIME PLEASE ASK!!!!!
4. Sometimes an ER can be a long wait, please do not be
discouraged. We know how frustrating it can be, we have sat there too. However,
you must understand we have to treat the most urgent cases first. You may have
back pain, but someone else may come in AFTER you with a heart attack. The more
urgent, pressing cases take precedence.
5. Please do not use electronic devices in the ER – not only
because they may interfere with medical equipment, but due to privacy issues.
You would not want someone taking a picture of you with their cell phone while
you were waiting to be seen would you? Please shut ALL electronic equipment
completely OFF!!!
6. Please DO NOT LEAVE the ER Waiting room without
telling someone. If you leave to make a phone call and do not tell anyone and
your name is called, they will not go looking for you. More likely than not,
they will note that you left with out treatment and the next person will be
called.
7. Please do not have family or friends call or come in
to check on you. We can call a family member for you, but we will not give
messages over the phone. This not only deters us from assisting others but it
is a violation of federal regulations. WE CANNOT DIVULGE PRIVATE HEALTH
INFORMATION TO ANYONE WITHOUT YOUR CONSENT, so please do not ask.
8. Please be honest with the staff and doctors – if you
are in need of insurance or a specialist or if you live with domestic violence,
please tell someone – they are there to help!
9. We know you are in need of help; we have been in your
shoes. We have spent nights with our own children while they cried from ear
aches or other childhood ailments. We have seen people at their worst. Please
help us to do our job by being honest and courteous. In return we will do our
best to help you in any way we can.
