Emergency Department

Most people do not plan for emergencies, but when sudden serious or life-threatening illness or injury strikes, Parrish Medical Center is here to serve you. Parrish Medical Center's Emergency Department is honored to treat more than 40,000 patients per year. We are a nationally certified Primary Stroke Center and are nationally recognized for saving more lives through our safe practices.

Triage Emergency Classifications

Our goal is to see and treat each patient as quickly as possible. Due to the nature of the emergency department, patients are seen in order of the seriousness of their injury or illness - not on a first-come, first-served basis. Rendering lifesaving care to emergent (the critically ill or injured) patients are always given priority.

When you arrive, you will be triaged. Your medical condition will be classified as emergent, very urgent, urgent, semi-urgent and non-urgent depending the acuity of your illness or injury.

Wait Times

Because accidents and emergency visits are not planned, the number of patients who need care can be unpredictable. This can sometimes result in extended wait times. We hope you understand that when it is your turn, we will take excellent care of you too.

Peak hours of activity are from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., especially on weekends.

Once you are in the treatment area, a provider will see you, and some diagnostic tests may be ordered. It may also be necessary for us to call your physician. These things take time, and can also cause delays, and increase wait time. Your patience is appreciated.

**Be sure to let someone know if your condition worsens while waiting for treatment. This may be a sign that your condition needs more immediate attention.

Discharge Instructions

Upon being released you will be given a customized computer-generated information sheet called "discharge instructions." As part of the discharge process, you will be referred to your family physician for follow-up. If you do not have a family physician, we will give you the name of a PMC on-call physician. If you have questions after being released or about your follow-up visit, please contact us at 268-6130.

Helpful Tips

• If possible have someone accompany you to the Emergency Department.
• Bring all of your current medications to the Emergency Department, including the dose and the frequency with which you take it. Be prepared to share with us the names of all of your doctors, as well as information about your immunization,
• Please bring your insurance information.
• Make and keep a list of your allergies to foods, airborne substances and latex. It would also be helpful to include how each of these allergies affect you. Emergency room care partners will also ask other questions about your medical history and may ask about the medical histories of your immediate family—parents and grandparents.
• Do not assume you will be admitted to the medical center. Please make sure you have a ride home.
• Although cell phones are allowed in the Emergency Department, please do not use when medical personnel are in the room. Note: video and pictures of PMC care partners (doctors, nurses, etc.) are not allowed forwithout their consent.
• If you are a patient waiting in the Emergency Department, please don’t eat or drink anything since this can interfere with, or postpone, your care.
• Be prepared to answer personal questions about yourself and your lifestyle. All of this information will be kept in the strictest of confidence and used only in conjunction with your care. If you do not wish to have your medical information discussed in front of your family or visitors, please inform a member of your care team.

Understanding Your Emergency Visit Bill

Parrish Medical Center charges for the use of the emergency facility and for the services of hospital physicians and PA's. The hospital also charges for X-ray, laboratory and pharmacy services and for medical supplies. Depending on your condition, physician specialists, such as radiologists, orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons or pediatricians, may be called to consult on your case. All consultants, including radiologists, send a separate bill. If you have any billing questions or need financial assistance, please contact the business office at 268-6158.