What to Expect During your Visit to the Saint Vincent Emergency Department
When you arrive at the Saint Vincent Emergency Department, you will receive fast, efficient care at Erie’s most preferred E.R. You will be cared for by some of the region’s most experienced nurses and the only team of physicians in the area who are all certified in emergency medicine.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about emergency care at Saint Vincent:
Q: What happens when I come to the Saint Vincent Emergency Department?
A: Quick and efficient assessment. When you enter the Saint Vincent Emergency Department, you will be greeted at the Triage Desk as soon as you arrive. When you’re sick or injured, it’s vitally important that you receive a medical assessment quickly. That’s why the Saint Vincent triage process is designed so that you can be assessed by a nurse faster. Triage is the clinical process of prioritizing and assessing the severity of your medical condition.
The Triage Nurse will bring you directly to a treatment room if your condition necessitates immediate intervention. If the Triage Nurse determines that your illness or injury is less severe, you will first be directed to Patient Registration so that a medical record can be generated. The triage process ensures that the most appropriate level of care is provided as quickly as possible.
After registration, you may be returned to the waiting room while the appropriate treatment area is prepared for you.
Q: How soon will I receive treatment?
A: Treatment at Saint Vincent is faster than ever, thanks to operational and technology improvements. However, it’s important to remember that those with significant or life-threatening medical emergencies will be treated first. Those with less severe or urgent injuries or illnesses will be treated as soon as possible. Emergency treatment is always available for patients, 24 hours daily, every day.
Q: How long will my E.R. visit take?
A: The length of time required for medical care is different for every patient. Some may have an extensive medical history that needs to be reviewed. Others may need x-rays, lab tests, and other medical tests. In some cases, the patient will need to see a physician specialist (cardiologist, radiologist, neurologist, etc.). Length of stay will also depend on how many other patients are simultaneously seeking care.
We appreciate your understanding that we must immediately attend to patients arriving by ambulance with time-sensitive or life-threatening emergencies, such as heart attacks, strokes and seizures.
Q: What do I need to know about registration?
A: After your initial nursing assessment, the Triage Nurse will direct you to Registration. Whenever possible be sure to bring personal identification and insurance information so that we can create a medical record for you.
As a not-for-profit, charitable organization, Saint Vincent will provide you with emergency medical care regardless of your ability to pay.
Q: What happens if I need to be admitted to the hospital?
A: After your medical emergency has been diagnosed and initially treated, you and your physician will decide whether you should be admitted to the hospital or return home. Patients scheduled for admission remain in the emergency department until their hospital bed is prepared. Your nurse will keep you updated on the status of your room. This wait time has been significantly reduced, thanks to new Teletracking technology and increased efficiencies within the hospital.
Q: If the E.R. releases me, what do I need to know?
A: If hospital admission is not necessary, you will receive instructions about the type of care and treatment you will need after your emergency visit. We encourage you to ask your Emergency physician or nurse about these "discharge instructions," so that you fully understand the medical recommendations we have made to address your health condition. Some patients may require physical therapy (rehabilitation services) following their emergency room visit. Saint Vincent Rehab Solutions offers the region's most comprehensive physical therapy services in the region at five different locations. Other patients may require home health services, which can be provided by Erie Home Health, experts in assisting patients who are recovering from illness or injury, as well as those who are coping with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Q: How is payment handled?
A: During your visit, you will be asked to make your co-payment if your health insurance plan obligates you to do so. As a not-for-profit, charitable organization, Saint Vincent will provide you with emergency medical care regardless of your ability to pay.
Following your visit, you may receive separate invoices from those involved in your care in addition to a bill from the hospital and E.R. physicians. Please call 814/452-5011 with questions about invoices.
Q: Can family or friends be with me in the E.R.?
A: We understand the importance of family and friends during an emergency. However, so that we can focus on your medical treatment, we limit visitors to two (2) in the treatment room.
Helpful Resources for Family and Visitors
- Public telephones and rest rooms are located in the Emergency Department waiting area.
- Our Cafeteria is located on the first floor of the hospital and is open from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and until 6:30 p.m. on weekends
- Vending machines for soda or snacks are located adjacent to the Emergency Department.
- Our non-denominational chapel is located on the second floor and is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, with mass at noon Monday through Friday and at 11 a.m. Sunday.
The Saint Vincent Gift Shop is located in the main lobby on the first floor of the hospital, for purchases such as snacks, magazines, and necessities. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.