This information will help you understand what happens when you come to the emergency department for treatment.

1.         Triage

Upon arrival, a registered nurse will see you at triage. This is the beginning of your treatment. The triage nurse will ask the reason for your visit and get a brief medical history. A brief examination is done to decide the severity of your condition. This assures that the most critically injured or severely ill patients are seen by the physician first. This is the reason why someone who arrives after you may be taken to the treatment area before you. Patients whose conditions require the use of a special room or a special piece of equipment may be seen out of order – or care may be delayed until that equipment or room becomes available. We ask for your patience when critical situations cause longer delays.

2.            Registration

After you are escorted to the treatment area, a registration clerk will come to your room to obtain additional information needed to complete your patient record.

3.            Treatment

A registered nurse will initially examine you and obtain a more complete medical history and get information on your current health care concern. The nurse will answer your questions and may start the necessary treatment and testing before the doctor examines you. Treatments may include starting an IV, obtaining blood or urine samples, or sending you for X-rays.

Patients are seen by the physician based on the severity of their illness. Your stay in the emergency department may take up to three hours. If special tests are needed, your stay may be longer.

4.         Re-evaluation

Your nurse and the emergency department staff will return to re-evaluate you and keep you informed of the progress of your tests and treatments. Once all your test results are back, the doctor will explain the results to you. Based on these results and your condition, a decision will be made to discharge you or to admit you to the hospital. Your primary care physician may be contacted to help with this decision. Extended waiting times may occur due to delays in test results, availability of hospital beds or meeting with specialists.

5.            Discharge

When you are discharged from the emergency department, you will be given written instructions. It is important that you follow these instructions. If you have questions, ask your nurse or doctor. If you are asked to follow up with your doctor, please do so to help ensure the best possible care.

We know that no one wants to be a patient in the emergency department. At South Fulton Medical Center, we care about your concerns. If you have questions or concerns after discharge, please call the emergency department at 404.466.1600.

Visitors

We recognize that being in the emergency department may be stressful. Visitors are welcome in the treatment area. Any visitors must remain at your bedside while inside the treatment way. This helps meet your needs and maintains the privacy of our other patients.