NURSE ASSESSMENT
Inside the emergency room, a nurse will perform a physical assessment and note findings for the doctor. Due to laws that protect a patient’s privacy, your family or friends may be asked to wait outside the treatment area until the initial assessment by the physician is completed. Also, please understand that without a patient’s permission, we may not be able to discuss details regarding their condition with anyone.

After the assessment, the patient will then be examined by one of the ER doctors or the patient’s personal physician. You reserve the right to call your primary physician and have him or her meet you at the emergency room. This will help to decrease your waiting time.

PHYSICIAN ASSESSMENT
The physician will order tests or X-rays he/she deems necessary after the examination. Tests may be ordered by the doctor and carried out before you have a chance to see the physician. A member of the hospital staff will accompany you if it is necessary to leave the ED for a procedure or test. Obtaining results of test/X-rays may take as long as one to two hours. If, at any time, you do not understand a specific procedure, please ask the doctor or nurse. As soon as your lab work and test results are available, the results will be discussed with you. Additional tests may be necessary.

ADMITTED OR DISCHARGED?
A doctor will decide if you are to be discharged from the ED or admitted to the hospital. The ED doctor may speak with your personal physician or other specialist about specific treatment. If you are admitted to the hospital and there is no room available, there may be a delay in the ED until another patient is discharged. As soon as a room is prepared, you will be taken to the room. If you are discharged, the nurse will provide a copy of discharge instructions and any prescriptions the doctor has written.