Emergency Department

Your Guide to the Emergency Department

We realize that a visit to any Emergency Department can be frightening and confusing, and we hope this guide explains our procedure and makes your stay with us as pleasant as possible. Feel free to ask questions and let us know how we can make your visit more comfortable. We're here when you need us…physician staffed 24-hours a day.

WHAT IS EMERGENCY MEDICINE?
It is a specialized field that requires highly trained personnel. Battle Creek Emergency Physicians are board certified specialists in emergency medicine. Our Registered Nurses are licensed by the State of Michigan and certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support.

WHERE DO I GO?
You will be evaluated by a nurse when you arrive. How serious your injury/illness is will determine your next step. You will either be seen immediately or be asked to have a seat in our waiting room. The length of time you spend in the waiting room is difficult to predict because it depends on the illness/injury and number of other patients. You will be brought to an examining room as soon as possible. A nurse will ask you more detailed questions and take your blood pressure, pulse, temperature and respirations. The doctor will see you next and ask you about your illness/injury, perform a physical examination, and order any necessary tests. Often the same questions are asked at each step of your evaluation. This assures that each caregiver understands your medical condition.

WHAT TESTS MIGHT I NEED?
Advances in technology have increased our abilities to test and diagnose you. These tests are important to your health and well-being, and they may take some time.

• X-Ray: If x-rays are needed, you will be escorted to the x-ray department. Once the x-rays are taken, they need to be developed and read by the Emergency Physician. Later, your x-rays will be reviewed by one of our Radiologists
• Laboratory: Blood and/or urine tests may be needed. Most tests take approximately one hour to complete, but during busy times they may take longer. Some test results take 2-7 days. You will be notified if we get any abnormal test results after you have left the Emergency Department.

CAN I CALL THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT?
We are unable to provide medical advice or answer a medical question over the phone unless it pertains to your recent Emergency Department visit. It is safer to evaluate you in person.

WHEN CAN I GO HOME?
This varies depending on your medical problem. If needed, your personal physician may be contacted. If you do not require admission into the hospital, you will be given detailed discharge instructions about your condition. Please ask questions. If further care can only be provided in the hospital, you will be admitted.

AFTER YOUR VISIT
Your examination and treatment has been on an emergency basis only. A doctor will be recommended to provide you with necessary follow-up medical care. Call this doctor if you have any new or remaining problems. For significant changes or worsening of your condition, call your doctor or return immediately to the Emergency Department. You are welcome back at the Emergency Department at any time, and we may request you return for certain situations such as removal of stitches.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
Social Worker support and Pastoral Care services are available. Please ask a staff member if you would like to speak with one or both of these persons.

PRESCRIPTIONS
A pharmacy is located on the second floor of the Medical Office Building. Prescriptions may be filled at any outside pharmacy of your choice. If a prescription is written at a time when pharmacies are closed, the Emergency Department physician will provide you with enough medication to last until pharmacies open.

BILLING
You will receive at least two bills after your visit. One from the hospital, BCHS, and one from the Emergency Physician. If an additional physician was consulted, you will receive a bill from him/her. Depending on your particular situation, you may also be billed for x-ray and ambulance service.

PATIENT'S FAMILY & FRIENDS
We will try to accommodate visitation requests, although to assure the safety and privacy of every patient, family and friends may need to remain in the waiting room during a patient's treatment.