Emergency Medicine
Emergency medicine is a medical specialty in which a physician receives practical training to care for patients with acute illnesses or injuries which require immediate medical attention. While not usually providing long-term or continuing care, emergency medicine physicians diagnose a variety of illnesses and undertake acute interventions to stabilize the patient. At Hartselle Medical Center, the Emergency Department is staffed with emergency medical professionals and is available 24-hours every day. Emergency medicine should not be substituted for general practice. By law, emergency departments may not be able to treat non-emergent medical issues.
The ER Goal Our goal at Hartselle Medical Center is for you to have access 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, to qualified physicians who take the time to listen to what you have to say. You will be greeted warmly by nurses who are truly compassionate and a registration staff that understands that people come before paperwork.
Our team of trained physicians, nurses and technicians are able to provide fast, quality care. They will listen to you, examine you carefully and prescribe a treatment plan that you will understand and believe in.
At our emergency department, we are committed to providing quality service by meeting the needs of our patients and their families with courtesy and respect. Your emergency experience at Hartselle Medical Center should be one of care, concern and attention to your emotional and physical needs. It is our goal not only to meet our patients’ needs, but also to exceed the expectations of the people in the community we serve.
Hartselle Medical Center Emergency Services
You deserve more and that is exactly what Hartselle Medical Center’s ER gives you:
- More service in a patient friendly environment
- More technology that is critical to treating special cases
- More specialized care by highly skilled emergency medicine doctors
- And more convenience with our easily accessible location
Upon arrival at the Emergency Department, patients are evaluated by a registered nurse who is trained in triage. Triage is a system of classifying patients on a priority basis so that those who are most critically ill will be cared for first. Because emergencies cannot be scheduled, there are times when a number of patients will be cared for at the same time. This may also increase waiting time, but rest assured that each patient is seen as quickly as possible. Two family members may wait in the Emergency Department with each patient. Other family members and visitors may wait in the Emergency Waiting Area, located next to the treatment area.
Upon discharge, patients are given a discharge instruction sheet. In addition, the emergency staff calls to check on many patients at home during the 24 hours following their Emergency Department visit. Of course, patients or family members are welcome to contact the department with any questions or problems.
Many times an illness or injury can be treated at your physician’s office more effectively and less expensively than through the Emergency Department, which is set up to care for medical emergencies. If you are unsure whether or not you need immediate medical treatment, call your family doctor. This is especially important if you are insured by a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), most of which require authorization by your primary care physician for an emergency room visit.
There’s never a convenient time to have an emergency, but if it does happen to you or a member of your family, it’s nice to know that a quality facility such as the Emergency Department at Hartselle Medical Center exists in your area, just in case.
At Hartselle Medical Center, our trained ER nurses and physicians are here to make your visit as comfortable and relaxed as possible. From our modern day technology and equipment to our attractive, clean and well-organized appearance, at Hartselle Medical Center our goal is to bring you quality emergency care.
The ER Goal
The ER goal is for you to have access 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, to qualified physicians who take the time to listen to what you have to say. You will be greeted warmly by nurses who are truly compassionate and a registration staff that understands that people come before paperwork.
Our team of trained physicians, nurses and technicians are able to provide fast, quality care. They will listen to you, examine you carefully and prescribe a treatment plan that you will understand and believe in.
At our emergency department, ER represents a commitment to providing quality service by meeting the needs of our patients and their families with courtesy and respect. Your emergency experience at ER should be one of care, concern and attention to your emotional and physical needs. It is our goal not only to meet our patients’ needs, but also to exceed the expectations of the people in the community we serve.