Emergency medicine is something you never think about until you need it, yet each year nearly 30,000 patients visit the Providence Emergency Department. Providence is a Level III trauma center with every medical specialty available for emergency care. We have a central heart monitor system with 24-hour/7-day per week monitoring, specialized rooms for trauma, critical care, women’s health, pediatrics, acute intervention and radiology.
What to Expect
Fast Track Care
When you come to Providence Emergency Department, our receptionist will escort you to Triage. The Triage nurse has special training to quickly evaluate medical needs, and will assess the severity of your illness or injury to determine if you are eligible for Fast Track care.
Urgent Care
If the Triage nurse determines that you need medical care beyond Fast Track, you may be immediately admitted to a private room in the Emergency Department where you will be registered at your bedside and seen by the emergency physician.
Or, depending on the severity of your medical needs, you may be asked to wait in our reception area prior to being seen by the emergency physician. The waiting area provides telephones, free coffee and hot water for tea, vending machines, a large screen TV and play area for children. There are restrooms located near the waiting area. Providence is a non-smoking facility, however, there is a designated outdoor smoking area.
Tests
The emergency physician may order blood and diagnostic tests before treating you. X-ray equipment is located in the Emergency Department for quicker access to diagnostic procedures. We also have an overhead x-ray in one of our trauma rooms allowing for an even faster response time.
Treatment
Physicians and nurses who specialize in emergency medicine will care for you. If indicated, a consulting physician specialist can be called. Your primary emergency room nurse will monitor and keep you informed.
24-Hour Observation
If necessary, you may be admitted to the Clinical Decision Unit for up to 24 hours for observation to rule out an acute medical condition or observe your progression. The Clinical Decision Unit is located in the Emergency Department and provides a more cost-effective way to observe your progress.
Pastoral Care
Upon request, a Chaplain is available to meet with you and/or your family at any time during your stay. There are private rooms for consultation and emotional support in the Emergency Department.
Interpreter Services
If you are concerned about language barriers, Providence Emergency Department has telephone interpreter services available in over 20 languages. This service is available 24 hours/7 days per week.
Discharge
If you are not admitted to the hospital, you will be discharged from the Emergency Department with a written plan of care. Social workers and case managers can help with after care services. If medication is prescribed after pharmacy hours, you will be given a small amount of medication for the remainder of the night. Your primary care doctor will receive a report with follow-up recommendations for your care.
Children's Mural and Play Area
A creative mural and play area for children is located within the reception and waiting area.
Antique Stained Glass Window
A magnificent 80-year old antique stained-glass chapel window from Providence Seattle Medical Center graces the reception area.
Frequently Asked Questions
May I bring family members with me to the Providence Emergency Department?
Family members are welcome in both the waiting area and, when possible, in the private emergency exam rooms. If you are the patient and bring young children with you, please also bring someone to supervise them.
Will my visit by covered by my insurance?
Most insurance companies do cover part of an emergency room visit. If possible, it is a good idea to check with your insurance provider prior to your visit. However, during a medical emergency, do not hesitate to call 9-1-1. Providence accepts all emergencies and can offer financial assistance to those who qualify.
Is food available in the Providence Emergency Department?
Food is available upon request for patients. Family members can go to the Emilie Café, located on the ground floor of Providence Medford Medical Center.
--Hot meals are served during the following hours: 6:30 – 10:00 am, 11:00 am – 1:30 pm, 4:30 – 6:30 pm and Midnight – 2:00 am.
--Sandwiches, soup and salad are available from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
--Vending machines are also located on the ground floor.
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