We understand that a visit to the emergency room (ER) can be stressful. This guide will explain what to expect at a Banner Health Emergency Department to help you feel more prepared.
Upon arrival, you'll receive an identification number and bracelet at the registration desk. A nurse will ask the reason for your visit, about your symptoms and may take your vitals. This helps prioritize patients based on their condition so that the sickest patients are seen by the provider first.
This is completed sometime during your visit and before leaving the emergency department.
Patients with severe emergencies will be seen immediately.
Some of our facilities have Fast Track areas to treat minor illnesses or injuries. Others may be asked to remain in the waiting area until a bed is available. Let staff know if your symptoms worsen. Tests may be ordered for diagnosis and treatment.
The emergency department has a specialized team that works under a physician's guidance to provide treatment. Team members may include a registered nurse, physician assistant, registered nurse practitioner, medical or radiology technician, physical therapist, ED technicians, respiratory therapist or social worker. In pediatric situations, a child life specialist may also be involved.
After treatment, your doctor will decide if you can go home (discharge) or need to be admitted to the hospital.
If discharged, you'll receive after-care instructions, including follow-up with your doctor.
To help you prepare for a visit to the ER, here are some guidelines that can help you reduce anxiety and have a positive experience.
A visit to the Emergency room is – hopefully – not something you do often. Here are some answers to some of your most frequently asked questions.
We are committed to providing excellent patient care, no matter what your illness or injury. Quick Look/Triage nurses will evaluate each patient and determine the general severity of illness or injury. Because our first priority is to save lives, the most severely injured or ill patients will be seen first. Also, you may be waiting for a specific treatment room, diagnostic test, lab result, or a return phone call from your doctor. If you are asked to wait, but begin to feel worse, please tell the nurse right away.
We never delay care to complete paperwork. The registration interview is a very important part of your visit. Our patient services representative must create/identify your patient history file that will issue a medical record number and account number specific to you. These numbers are then sent electronically to the Laboratory, Medical Imaging (X-ray), Blood Bank and remain your specific lifetime numbers. It is important that these professionals take the time to enter the information accurately. Our Health Information Management Services (Medical Records) department maintains all records related to this visit for many years. When you arrive, we get only the information necessary to establish a personal medical record and identification armband.
You might be asked not to eat or drink because your physical condition may require testing or surgery. After the doctor evaluates you, please check with your nurse about eating or drinking.
You can pick up copies of your medical records from Health Information Management services (Medical Records) at the Banner Health facility where you were seen for your emergency. Please call in advance, so your records can be prepared for you. You will need to sign a release of information form before receiving the records.
X-rays can be picked up from the Medical Imaging department at the Banner facility where your x-ray was done.
Unlike your primary doctor, the Emergency department staff is not familiar with your medical history, general health, or health care concerns; therefore we cannot provide accurate information related to treatment or diagnosis over the phone. We will always be glad to see you in person in the Emergency department.
In compliance with the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and in an effort to maintain the safety and confidentiality of patients being treated in the Emergency department, we will not provide information regarding whether or not a patient is here, specific treatment provided or discharge plans. If you know a specific person is being treated in the Emergency room, you may ask for them and they can provide the information as requested.
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