When you arrive at our Emergency Department, our primary goal is to ensure you receive prompt and efficient care. To help streamline your visit and alleviate any anxieties, here’s a detailed walkthrough of what you can expect.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted warmly by our registration staff. They will ask for essential information regarding your injury or illness. This initial step is crucial for us to begin understanding your immediate needs. Following registration, a registered nurse will conduct a thorough evaluation. This assessment includes reviewing your symptoms, checking vital signs, understanding your medical history, and noting any current medications you are taking. This comprehensive overview allows our medical team to gain a holistic understanding of your condition right from the outset. In some cases, you may be seen briefly by a provider during triage. This preliminary consultation is designed to expedite the initiation of your diagnostic workup and treatment plan.
It’s important to understand the triage process. In emergency care, patients with the most critical and life-threatening conditions are prioritized. This means that individuals with severe illnesses or injuries will be seen first, even if they arrive at the emergency department after other patients. We recognize that waiting can be challenging, and we sincerely appreciate your understanding and patience as we prioritize care based on medical urgency.
What Happens Next?
After the initial assessment, you will be directed to either a patient care area or to the waiting area, depending on the immediate availability of treatment space and the urgency of your condition. Our Emergency Department staff may initiate necessary tests, which could include laboratory work and radiology studies, to further evaluate your condition. We are committed to regularly monitoring your condition and aim to re-evaluate each patient’s status every two hours. However, if you experience any change in your condition or have new concerns, please do not hesitate to inform a member of our staff immediately. It is also important to refrain from eating or drinking anything without first consulting with one of our registered nurses, as this could interfere with potential tests or treatments.
Inside the Patient Care Area
Within the patient care area, you will receive a comprehensive examination by a physician who specializes in emergency medicine. Based on their evaluation and your specific condition, you will undergo further necessary tests and treatments. Please be aware that receiving test results, especially for more complex diagnostics, may take two hours or longer. Throughout this process, a registered nurse will keep you informed about the progress of your treatment, test results, and any next steps.
To ensure the highest quality and safest care, you might be asked similar questions by different members of our medical team. This repetition is a crucial safety protocol to verify your identity and ensure we have the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding your health.
Consultations, Labs, and Radiology Timelines
If your condition requires a consultation with a specialist provider, please anticipate that this may take at least one hour, and in some cases, could extend to several hours, depending on specialist availability and the complexity of your case. Similarly, the turnaround times for lab and radiology results can vary based on patient volume within the department and the severity and complexity of individual conditions. Rest assured, we are working diligently to expedite these processes while maintaining accuracy and thoroughness.
Visitor Information
For the most current guidelines regarding visitors, especially in light of ongoing health considerations, please refer to the latest information available on the Penn State Health website regarding COVID-19 protocols. This will ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information for your visit.
Post-Treatment Procedures
Following your treatment in the Emergency Department, several pathways are possible depending on your condition. If your illness or injury necessitates further inpatient care, admission to Hershey Medical Center may be required. In such cases, a staff member will facilitate your transfer to an available hospital bed to ensure a seamless transition. If your condition requires specialized treatment that is not available at Hershey Medical Center, we will arrange a transfer to an appropriate healthcare facility equipped to meet your specific needs.
Discharge Instructions
For patients who are well enough to be discharged home, we provide comprehensive after-care instructions. These detailed instructions will cover medication prescriptions, follow-up appointments, wound care if applicable, and any specific activity restrictions or recommendations for your recovery. We aim to equip you with all the necessary information for a smooth and successful recovery at home.
Specialized Pediatric Emergency Care
Our Emergency Department includes a dedicated area specifically designed for patients under 18 years of age. This pediatric emergency area is staffed by team members who have received specialized training in pediatric emergency medicine, ensuring child-appropriate and expert care. To ensure the safety and well-being of our young patients, we require at least one parent or legal guardian to remain with their child at all times throughout the emergency department visit. For added safety and identification, blue bracelets are provided to create a positive link between the caregiver and the child, enhancing security and peace of mind.
Accessing Your Patient Portal
For convenient access to your health information, My Penn State Health Patient Portal is a secure online platform. Through the portal, you can schedule future appointments, communicate securely with your healthcare providers via email, review your test results, request prescription refills, and manage your medical bills. This tool empowers you to actively participate in your healthcare management.
Billing and Financial Questions
Should you have any questions regarding your co-pay amounts or need clarification on the billing process, our registration team is available to provide assistance. They can address your financial inquiries and guide you through the billing procedures.
We Value Your Feedback
Our unwavering commitment is to provide every patient with the highest quality emergency medical care experience. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us achieve this goal. If you have any questions, concerns, or wish to share your experience regarding the care you received in our Emergency Department, please do not hesitate to contact Patient Relations at 717-531-6311. Patient Relations is available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additionally, you are invited to complete a brief, three-question survey to share your feedback about your recent visit and help us continuously improve our services.
Note: While this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Emergency Department process, it is designed for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. For any specific health concerns or medical emergencies, please seek immediate professional medical attention.
