Emergency Room
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Southeast HospitalAt SoutheastHEALTH, great care doesn't take time off. Emergency treatment is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at two locations.
Is it an Emergency?
Emergency room or urgent care?
Emergency rooms (ERs) and urgent care centers serve very different purposes. When you need medical care right away, it helps to know which one is the better choice. This true-false quiz can help you learn the difference between them.
True or false: The main difference between an urgent care center and an ER is size.
False. The biggest difference between an urgent care center and an ER is the type of cases they can handle. When people have a condition that is life-threatening or could cause disability, they should go to the ER. If the problem is not that serious, urgent care may be a better choice.
True or false: Urgent care can be a good option if you have a health concern but can't get in to see your doctor quickly enough.
True. Urgent care centers can deal with minor illnesses like colds, the flu, earaches, sore throats and low-grade fevers. They can also handle non-life-threatening injuries, such as sprains, bruises, minor broken bones or minor eye injuries.
True or false: Both urgent care centers and ERs are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
False. ERs are open 24/7. Urgent care centers may be open 7 days a week, but with more limited hours that vary from location to location. Call ahead if you're unsure of an urgent care center's hours.
True or false: It's cheaper to be treated at an urgent care center than at an ER.
True. You're also likely to be seen and treated more quickly at an urgent care center. That's because urgent care centers see people on a 1st-come, 1st-served basis. ERs, on the other hand, treat patients based on the seriousness of their conditions.
True or false: If you or someone else has chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes, you should drive to an ER.
False. Call 911 instead. Chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack, and a heart attack is always an emergency. But don't drive to the ER—the condition could get worse on the way. Call 911 for immediate medical help.
Call 911 if:
- You're unsure that you're facing an emergency.
- The condition threatens life or limb.
- The person could get worse on the way to the hospital, or traffic is an issue.
- Moving the person could cause further injury.
Sources: American Academy of Urgent Care Medicine; American College of Emergency Physicians; American Heart Association; National Institutes of Health
If you or a loved one experiences a medical emergency, call 911.
For noncritical emergencies when the person who needs care is able to move, head to your nearest SoutheastHEALTH emergency room (ER).
If you have a minor injury or an illness that isn't life-threatening, either contact your primary care provider during office hours or visit a SoutheastHEALTH walk-in clinic near you.
What to Expect in the ER
Our team of board certified emergency doctors, nurses and specialists is always ready to provide the care you need. When you arrive, here's what you can expect:
- Registration: Staff will take your identification and health information.
- Triage: A nurse will assess your condition.
- Waiting: You'll stay in the waiting room until your treatment room is prepared.
- Treatment: Emergency doctors, nurses and support staff will assess your condition. They will perform any needed tests, like x-rays, lab work and scans. Then the doctor will determine next steps.
Your care and comfort are our priority, and it's our goal to see you as quickly as possible.
Why Choose SoutheastHEALTH Emergency Services
When you need emergency care, you don't have time for research. But you can feel confident seeking care at SoutheastHEALTH.
Our board certified emergency doctors and highly trained nurses specialize in ER medicine and have access to advanced technology. They also collaborate with providers in other specialties. That teamwork ensures you get the treatment that's right for you.
SoutheastHEALTH offers cardiac and stroke care at both our ER locations. Our facilities have earned:
- Comprehensive Cardiac Center Certification from The Joint Commission's Accreditation and Certification program
- Primary Stroke Center Certification with Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Centers
- Missouri Level II Stroke Center designation from Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and Missouri's Time Critical Diagnosis System
- Missouri Level I STEMI Center designation from Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and Missouri's Time Critical Diagnosis System
We are also fully integrated with area emergency medical transport services. So, when every second counts, we're ready when you come through the door.