Emergency Room (ER) Guidelines

What to expect during your ER visit

When you visit the East Jefferson General Hospital ER, you likely need expert care—fast. Time in the ER can be stressful, so it’s helpful when you know what to expect. By feeling prepared and informed, your visit will be more efficient and effective.

What to bring to the ER

If possible, bring the following with you to your ER visit:

• Personal identification such as a driver's license or passport
• A copy of your health insurance information
• A list of your current medications, including the dose and when you take them
• Any medical records from other providers you've seen

ER check-in

When you arrive at the ER, you’ll be asked to complete a quick registration. You’ll enter your information into our electronic medical records database. It’s important to have the right personal identification, so we can access the correct medical records.

After you check in, one of our ER technicians or a paramedic will take your vital signs, or you’ll be taken to the triage nurse.

ER triage

The goal of triage is to make sure that patients with the most serious injury or illness get care first. We see patients based on their level of need, not their time of arrival. Though we value all patients, we must respond to the most life-threatening conditions first.

You’ll meet with a triage nurse, so they can assess your condition. Then, you’ll either go directly to a treatment room or wait until medical staff bring you to a treatment room.

Medical exam and treatment

Once you are in a treatment room, you’ll meet with an emergency medicine doctor. They’ll provide an exam and may order clinical tests, such as blood work, X-rays, a CT scan, or an ultrasound. Depending on the test, you may need to wait for results before the doctor can confirm the best treatment for you. Ask any questions as you have them during your ER visit. That way, you and your family stay informed about your treatment.

When your doctor has test results, they’ll contact your primary care provider and any specialists you may need. These providers will determine if you can go home (discharged) or need to be admitted to the hospital.

• Discharge: If you’re discharged from the ER, you’ll get instructions for follow-up care and any prescriptions you need.
• Hospital admission: If you’re admitted to the hospital, a primary care provider will complete the process. You may have to wait for test results or a specific type of room, though we try to make your wait as short and comfortable as possible.

Cost of an ER visit and billing

The amount you pay for your ER visit depends on your health insurance plan. If your health insurance plan requires a co-pay, you may be asked for your co-pay before you go home. You’ll receive separate bills from the hospital for the following:

• The ER visit
• The ER doctor
• Radiology services

Call 504.401.9287 for any billing questions. Call 504.575.3613 for questions about the ER doctor bill.

Visitors and other ER policies

Your privacy and confidentiality are very important to us, so we ask that there is only one visitor per room in the ER. Sometimes, there are exceptions, and the main visitor will receive a visitor pass to share with other visitors.

We also don’t allow cell phones in the ER. As a courtesy, please take any phone calls in the waiting area and set phones to silent.