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What to expect during your visit to the emergency department

A visit to the emergency room can be overwhelming, but knowing what to expect can ease your mind.

August 31, 2022
Decorative

While in our care, our goal is to provide you with state-of-the-art clinical care in a compassionate, healing environment. We will strive to make you and your loved ones as comfortable as possible.

When you arrive at the ER

Please note that patients are seen in the order of the severity of their illness or injury. Typically, patients who arrive with more acute conditions such as chest pain, profuse bleeding, inability to breathe or loss of consciousness are treated immediately. We appreciate your understanding as we strive to care for everyone efficiently. 

The front desk medical team may have asked you for a urine sample if you are experiencing any abdominal or pelvic issues. 

When you arrive in triage, our front desk team will have checked you in. Your concerns and vitals signs are documented for our triage team to review. Triage is the first step in your care. Our triage team and ER provider will talk with you about your concerns and develop a plan of care.

Will I be examined by a physician?

During your visit, you may be seen by different staff members. All patients are seen either by an ER physician or a physician’s assistant (sometimes in conjunction with the ER physician). 

If you are admitted, some physicians use hospitalists to see their patients while they are hospitalized. Please be assured that all pertinent information related to your visit will be provided to your primary care provider unless otherwise specified.  

Your emergency care 

How long will my visit take?

It takes approximately two hours to receive diagnostic results from the time they were requested (i.e., lab specimens, X-ray images) and approximately one to three hours to coordinate further treatment if you are to be admitted. 

What type of testing will be done?

We have access to advanced medical treatments and technologies, including diagnostic lab testing, advanced radiographic images and pharmaceutical agents. Your test will depend upon your physician’s initial exam and diagnosis. 

What should I do with my medication?

If you do not have a detailed list of your medications, please inform our staff of medications you are currently taking. If you have your medications with you, we will prepare a thorough medication list and ask that you take your medications home, or we will secure them for you. 

What insurance do you accept?

We accept most insurance providers and welcome Kaiser Permanente members. Any and all patients will receive a medical screening exam regardless of their insurance status. For patients who have insurance but do not have access to their insurance information, we can arrange payment after their visit without causing delays in care. 

Going home

If I am discharged, how should I follow up?

All discharged patients receive referral information for their primary care provider or specialist. If you don’t have a primary care physician, we are happy to offer you complimentary referrals. This information can be found on your discharge instructions. If your symptoms increase or worsen, you should consider returning to the ER as your condition might have changed.

Sky Ridge South Parker ER
12223 Pine Bluffs Way
Parker, CO 80134

Phone: (720) 347-6100
Fax: (303) 841-3262

Published:
August 31, 2022

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