Frequently Asked Questions

How long will I have to wait?

Every effort will be made to see patients as quickly as possible. We know your time is valuable, and when you are ill, any amount of time waiting can seem like an eternity.

How do you determine which patients are seen first?

We use a system called triage to determine the seriousness of your illness or injury. We try to see patients on a first come, first serve basis however, sometimes more severely injured or ill patients are given higher priority and will be taken care of first.

Do you have a special area to treat minor emergencies?

Fast Track is a special service within the emergency room for the treatment of minor illnesses and injuries, such as sprains, cuts and lacerations, possible fractures, minor burns, wound care and the flu. With the back-up of Emergency Department physicians, Fast Track is staffed by certified nurse practitioners, nurses and technicians.

May I have visitors?

In most cases, one or two family members or friends may stay with a patient in the treatment area. In the case of severe illness or injury or physician evaluation, family members may be asked to remain in the waiting room until all the procedures and testing are completed. If the patient is a small child, parents are allowed to remain in the treatment area.

Will I have to wait for a Consultant?

Although Silver Cross Hospital’s full-time emergency physicians can treat a broad range of medical problems, it is sometimes necessary to call in a consultant to provide the most effective treatment for you. Sometimes delays can occur waiting for the specialist if the doctor is in surgery or must leave his practice to come to the hospital. But please remember, these decisions are made in your best interest—diagnosis often takes time.

How much time will the doctor spend with me?

Silver Cross Emergency Department physicians spend as much time as necessary to obtain a complete patient history and assessment to make an accurate diagnosis. Time is also spent evaluating laboratory and X-ray results or in consultation with other physicians. In emergency medicine, we spend most of our time on your diagnosis in order to effectively treat you.

Will the doctor give me the treatment I request?

Sometimes our patients and families believe they know what treatment or tests should be given based on what their friends have or something they have read. Do not hesitate to tell our staff if you think something has been overlooked. Often what you have in mind is just as acceptable as the treatment we have planned. If so, we will be happy to honor your suggestion. If not, we will try to explain to you what is medically best.

Will my family doctor be contacted?

Silver Cross Hospital does not routinely contact the family doctors of all patients who pass through the Emergency Department. However, we will send your doctor a copy of your Emergency Department records. Silver Cross will also contact your family doctor if an emergency patient needs urgent follow-up care after being released from the Emergency Department or is admitted to the hospital.

What if I’m in pain?

At Silver Cross Hospital, we take your pain seriously, assess it regularly, and treat it with your input. We want our patients to be as comfortable as possible. Silver Cross has the latest medications available for the treatment of pain including oral, intramuscular, intravenous and inhalation forms of medication. Although it may not be possible to completely remove your pain, it is possible to reduce pain to a tolerable level.

Who can answer my questions?

While you are in the waiting room, the triage nurse will answer your questions related to medical information. When you are in the treatment area, our doctors and nurses will be happy to assist you. Please do not hesitate to call a nurse or ask a family member to request a nurse if you have questions about your diagnosis or treatment.

How will I be billed?

You will receive separate bills for the services you receive in the Silver Cross Emergency Department from:

1. Silver Cross Hospital
2. Fischer-Mangold/Team Health Emergency Physician Group
3. Any specialty consultant involved in your care (this may include a radiologist or cardiologist for the interpretation of test results.)

Please remember that it is often expensive to offer the comprehensive medical care that Silver Cross Hospital provides. We’re here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, supporting a facility large enough to handle all types of emergencies.