Emergency Services
When a health crisis happens, you need an emergency team you can trust.
Expert Care
We know when you have an emergency, getting help right away is the priority. It is our mission to provide the very best emergency care by utilizing today’s advanced medical technologies and diagnostic tools. This helps us find prompt solutions to health issues so that treatment and healing can begin as soon as possible.
Our staff, nurses, and doctors have the collective goal of providing world-class patient care to every person who walks through our doors. We treat each person with compassion, dignity, and respect as if they were our own family.
Accredited Geriatric Emergency Department
White Rock Medical Center is proud to be accredited as a Geriatric Emergency Department by the American College of Emergency Physicians. This accreditation means we follow best practices for seniors so they and their families can feel confident their unique care needs are met.
Learn more about this accreditation at acep.org/geda.
Comprehensive Emergency Services
Our advanced medical and diagnostic services, as well as a full panel of physician specialists, help patients get the precise diagnosis and effective treatments they need, such as:
- General surgical services (including robotic surgery)
- Orthopedic surgical services
- Critical and Intensive Care Units
- Diagnostic imaging
- Stroke care
- Cardiovascular services
- Endoscopy lab
Language Services
Translation services are provided for 250 different languages via our video translation partner.
Short Wait Times
Emergency rooms are designed to care for critically ill and injured. At White Rock Medical Center, you will get the expert care you need with shorter wait times than most.
How long you wait can depend on different factors, such as the severity of illness or injury, the time needed for thorough testing and results, and other elements of care.
While you wait
It is important for your health to follow these guidelines.
- Please do not eat or drink until evaluated by a physician.
- Please wear your mask to protect yourself and others.
If you have any other questions, please contact the registration desk in waiting room or your nurse once you are in the care area.
What to Expect When You Visit the ER
Although an emergency room visit is usually unplanned, knowing what to expect can help alleviate stress you may be feeling. Here are some common questions and answers to help you prepare for your visit to the ER.
FAQ: Emergency Care Services
How much time will my ER visit take?
Your wait time will depend on several factors, including:
- Your health condition
- The severity of your illness or injury
- Tests you may need
- How many patients are seeking care at the same time
How long will I wait for test results?
The doctor may order tests to determine the best care for you.
The time it takes to get your test results depends on the type of test.
Estimated times for some common tests include:
- Blood and urine tests – 2 hours
- CT scan – 2 hours
- EKG results – 10 minutes
- MRI – 4 hours
- Ultrasound – 2 hours
- X-ray – 1 hour
When I need to visit the emergency room and do I need to bring anything with me?
If you are not arriving by ambulance and you have a moment to gather your things before heading to the emergency room, you may want to check to ensure you have proper identification and your insurance card. Additional information you may need includes:
- Your name and date of birth
- Your social security number
- The name of your primary care provider
- The reason for your visit
- A list of any medications you’re currently taking
What will happen when I arrive?
Although every patient who arrives at the emergency room is important and deserves to be seen, patients with the most severe conditions in the ER are seen first. Those with less serious illnesses or injuries may have to wait a little longer before they are seen. To ensure you get the appropriate treatment, you will be assessed by a highly trained medical professional as quickly as possible after you arrive. You or a family member will also need to check in at the registration desk to provide additional information that will help enable the medical team to serve you in a timely manner.
Will I get to see a doctor?
Once the medical team is ready for you, they will take you to an exam room. There, you may be asked to replace your clothing with a hospital gown. Depending on the reason for your visit, you may also be attached to a device that allows the nurses to keep track of your vital signs like heart rate and blood pressure. In most cases, your nurse will ask you about your injury or illness and take notes for the doctor. Once the doctor is available, you will get an opportunity to speak with them as well. During this time, you can explain how you are feeling, provide a brief medical history that may help the doctor make a more informed decision, and ask any questions you may have.
Will I need any medical tests?
Whether you need additional testing depends on the reason for your visit and what the doctor finds during the physical examination. If the doctor suspects a broken bone or some other internal problem that can’t be seen without special imaging, they may order some X-rays, a CT scan, or other tests. For other issues, like a suspected illness, blood work may be ordered to rule out or diagnose various medical conditions. As a patient, it’s important to understand what tests are being performed so you can prepare for the next steps.
What treatment will I receive?
Treatment can vary greatly based on the individual needs of each patient. Sometimes, treatment is simple and can take place right there in the emergency room. On the other hand, more complex medical conditions often require more in-depth treatment options. In some cases, patients are admitted to the hospital for additional testing and observation.
If your condition is not immediately life-threatening, you may be released from the emergency room with instructions to see another type of doctor or specialist in a specific field. All of this will be discussed with you once the doctor is ready and able to talk to you about your condition and any test results obtained during your visit. This is another great opportunity for you to ask questions or voice any concerns you may have.
What happens when I’m discharged?
If the doctor decides that you’re healthy enough to be discharged, you’ll want to review your discharge instructions and ask any additional questions you may have before you leave. You may also be asked to provide your medical insurance information and pay any amount due before leaving the hospital. Anytime you visit the emergency room for any reason, it’s important to stay aware of how you feel after you leave, and don’t hesitate to come back should your condition worsen.