A visit to the Emergency Department can be stressful. You or your loved one isn't feeling well and the department often is very busy. Our goal is to make your Emergency Department visit as efficient and pleasant as possible. The information below outlines the steps you can expect during your visit. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do to make your stay more pleasant or if you have questions.
Registration
During registration, you will be asked to provide your name and birth date so your electronic health record can be retrieved.
Triage
After registration, a triage nurse with evaluate your symptoms and vital signs. He or she also will ask about your current medications. This information helps the team determine how quickly you need treatment. Our priority is safety first, so the sickest patients are seen first. Our priority is safety first, so the sickest patients are seen first.
Waiting room
Depending on your condition and the number of patients waiting, you may be asked to wait in the waiting room before being taken to an exam room.
Exam room
In a private exam room, you will be examined by a doctor and nurse. Your family members are welcome to stay with you if space permits.
Diagnostic tests
The doctor may order lab tests, X-rays or other tests to help diagnose your condition. It can take up to two hours to get the results of these tests. Our goal is to provide care for you as quickly as possible while keeping you informed and comfortable. Please ask if there is something you need.
Treatment Plan
A doctor will discuss a plan for your treatment, which may include:
Discharging you to your home
Keeping you at the hospital for observation
Admitting you to the hospital for further or specialized care
Transferring you to another medical facility
Follow up
After determining your care plan, the Emergency Department team will instruct you on follow-up care, medication usage and self-care at home. To ensure your care plan is complete, it is important that you understand and follow their instructions.
Patient Survey
Following your visit, you will receive a survey in the mail. Please return your completed survey to help us continually improve.
Not all treatments, tests and services are available at all Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Check with your preferred location in advance.