If you experience symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, be sure to head to the ED, as these conditions are extremely time sensitive and require immediate care. If you can’t get yourself or a loved one there, call 911.
Patients are encouraged to seek help in the ED for:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Sudden numbness or loss of coordination
- Loss of consciousness
- Serious head injury
- Burns or uncontrolled bleeding
- Need for emergency pediatric care
The ED sees all patients, regardless of their symptoms. Since there is no way to make an appointment there, patients who are the sickest or have the most urgent needs are seen first. Patients are not seen on a first-come, first-served basis. This is often why patients who have non-emergent needs wait longer.
Consider these facts:
- It takes at least nine ED staff members to care for one major-trauma patient. If a traumatic accident brings multiple people to the hospital via ambulance or FlightCare, expect those patients will move to the front of the line. This will potentially increase wait times for those with less emergent medical needs.
- The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) is a federal law requiring anyone who comes to the ED to be stabilized and treated, regardless of their insurance or ability to pay.
For medical treatment after 9:30 p.m., the ED may be your only option until one of the Prompt Care clinics opens the next day at 8 a.m. You may also find when you’re evaluating treatment options that Prompt Care or an urgent care facility will be easier on your wallet.
Hospitals base their ED charges on the severity of the condition they are treating. Your costs will depend on your insurance coverage.*
Enloe’s Prompt Care clinics are best for treating minor injuries and illnesses that are not life threatening. These facilities offer the same quality care available in the ED.
*Consult your insurance provider or call Enloe Patient Financial Services at 530-332-6700 for an explanation of your benefits coverage.
Enloe’s Prompt Care clinics are best for treating minor injuries and illnesses that are not life threatening. These facilities offer the same quality care available in the ED. Both are open in the evenings, and the California Park location is also open on weekends and holidays. View the clinics’ hours.
People are usually seen on a first-come, first-served basis there, so wait times are typically shorter than in the ED.
You should visit Enloe Prompt Care if you need care for a:
- Flu, cold, sore throat or bronchitis
- Ear ache
- Cut that require stitches
- Skin rash or infection
- Sprain, strain or fracture
EnloeAnywhere offers a convenient way to get medical guidance from the comfort of your home or anywhere you may be. Caregivers are available 24/7 and can help with a variety of issues.
Remember, your health and well-being are important — especially during these challenging times.
