You do not plan to visit the emergency department. It just happens, and usually when you least expect it. At our facility, we practice a philosophy of emergency care called ER+, which helps further our goal that you will receive quality medical care as quickly and professionally as possible.
In a medical emergency when every second counts….you can count on us. Our staff of medical professionals is especially trained to handle emergencies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whether you or someone you love is suffering from chest pain, a broken bone, serious breathing problems, or any other threatening condition, our highly trained and dedicated ER staff can diagnose the problem and begin treatment immediately.
At first glance, our emergency room may look like many others. We are different because of our caring staff who recognize and understand when you have an emergency - no matter how big or small - you want immediate attention. With ER Plus at Heartland Regional Medical Center we conduct a comprehensive evaluation within minutes of your arrival. With our new technology Pro-Med we track your care from arrival to dismissal.
Heartland Regional Medical Center is designated as a resource hospital. This means a hospital has extended its high level of patient care to the pre-hospital field. We achieved resource status by providing the necessary training and supervision to the Emergency Medical System (EMS) providers in our system. Our emergency room physicians can give orders directly to the medics in the field, so proper treatment can be initiated at the scene of the emergency. The EMS providers under the Heartland Regional Medical Center System include Lifeline Ambulance Service, Lake of Egypt Ambulance and West Frankfort Fire Department.
What to expect during your ER Visit…
Step 1 - ER Arrival
Regardless how you arrive, your condition will be assessed by a nurse through a process called "triage". If you are very ill or arrive by ambulance, you will be taken to an exam room for treatment immediately.
Step 2 -Vital Signs
A nurse or other Emergency Medicine professional will check your vital signs - temperature, heart rate, blood pressure - and ask you about your symptoms that will help with your care.
A doctor sees patients with the most serious injuries or illnesses first. We do our best to care for everyone in a prompt, efficient manner, but life-threatening situations require immediate attention. If your condition is not life threatening, you may be asked to wait until the doctor is available. While you may not see a crowd in the waiting area, exam rooms may be filled with patients requiring immediate care.
Step 3 - The Doctor Examination
In the exam room, an Emergency physician will evaluate your condition. The doctor may order tests such as lab work, x-rays, EKG or other diagnostic procedures as necessary. Some of these tests take time for results to be returned. Nurses or other medical personnel will continue to monitor your vital signs.
Step 4 - The Doctor Discusses Condition and Treatment
The Emergency physician will discuss diagnosis and treatment options with you, your family, and your private physician. If you are seriously injured or ill - or need constant care, you may be admitted to the hospital. If you need to stay in the hospital, you'll be moved from the ER to an inpatient bed as soon as possible.
If you are not admitted, the doctor may refer you to your regular doctor or another medical staff physician for follow-up care.
Step 5 - Discharge
Use this time to ask questions and review the take-home instructions we provide you. If you have concerns after you leave the ER, don't hesitate to call us at (618) 998-7569.
Step 6 - Payment
We ask that you provide insurance information before you leave the hospital. We will file your insurance claims and handle the paperwork. In case you do not have insurance, we expect payment for all services before you leave the hospital.
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 supported by modern day technology and diagnostic equipment. 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 to exceed the expectations of the people in the community we serve.