
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.