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What to Expect in the ER

We know it can be a pain going to the emergency room, but here are some tips and important things to know before you arrive to better prepare you if you need us.

What to Bring

While most emergency room visits aren’t planned, there are some things that can be helpful to have with you, if you have the ability.

  • Photo ID
  • Health insurance card
  • List of medications
  • Contact information for your primary care physician and specialists

Check-in and Triage

Let's be honest, no one enjoys waiting, but sometimes that can happen in the ER. That's why it's important to know when to come to the ER and when it may make sense to go somewhere else. For many issues, urgent care may be the faster choice.

Ascension ER

Before arriving at the Ascension ER, use the BRG Mobile app to save time during check-in. Upload your registration forms using the Fast Pass pre-registration. And once you arrive, check in through the app or use the kiosks in the lobby.

Bluebonnet & Mid City ER

When you arrive, your first stop is the registration desk where you will be "triaged" and seen based on the severity of your illness. Depending on your condition, you may be asked to wait in the waiting room until a physician is available to assess and treat you.

Wait Times & Testing

Depending on your reason for being in the ER, you may need to have testing or labs done while you are here and may have to wait for your results. Wait times are approximate and may vary.

  • Lab or Blood Test: 1½ - 3 hours
  • Urine Test: 1½ - 3 hours
  • X-Ray: 1 - 2 hours
  • CT Scan: 2 - 3 hours
  • Ultrasound: 1½ hours - 3 hours

Going Home

When your physician determines you are ready to leave the ER, you will meet with your care team to discuss follow-up care, medications, and other instructions.

If You Are Admitted

If your ER physician determines you need further care, you may be admitted into a private room inside the hospital, in the unit most appropriate for your needs. Once admitted, a care team who specializes in your type of condition will continue or start your care.

Billing

After an emergency room visit, you will receive separate bills for services received in the hospital. In addition to the Baton Rouge General bill, you may receive bills from the lab, from an emergency room physician or radiologist who cared for you or interpreted your test results while in the emergency room.

Baton Rouge General also has a Financial Assistance Policy that explains how you may reduce or eliminate your hospital bill. Click here to see the policy or contact our Customer Service Center at (225) 819-1000 to request a free copy.

For more information about your bill, click here.

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