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
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.
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.
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.
