Why all the paperwork? Doesn’t this delay being treated?How and when is payment exchanged for treatment received?During a patient’s time in the Emergency Department, will visitors be allowed?What if I have questions?What happens when a visit turns into an admission to the hospital?What about minor illnesses or injury? Is this handled differently?What happens after a visit to the Emergency Department?Why all the paperwork? Doesn’t this delay being treated?Unless a person is unconscious or has been transferred by way of ambulance or helicopter, he or she will need to sign a consent form authorizing appropriate medical treatment. For those persons under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian is required to complete and sign this paperwork.
Creating a record of your visit begins with the registration process. You will be asked for personal health information, family medical history and medical insurance information. To make this process quick and easy, please remember to bring a list of medications you are currently taking, as well as the dosage taken, the name of you primary care provider, your insurance card and insurance information and a list of allergies you have. After the visit, the Emergency Department at Catholic Medical Center will notify your primary care provider so they may follow through with any discharge care instructions.
How and when is payment exchanged for treatment received?If complete insurance information is provided that the time of registration, the insurance provider will be sent a bill. Most insurance providers have a co-pay for emergency care which will be indicated on your insurance card. You will be asked to present the co-pay amount at the time of the visit. You are responsible for the balance due after the insurance provider’s payment is made. If you do not have insurance, a credit account representative will contact you to set up a fair and reasonable payment schedule.
During a patient’s time in the Emergency Department, will visitors be allowed?Generally, the number of visitors allowed in the Emergency Department treatment area is kept to a minimum and at the discretion of the Emergency Department staff. This allows the Emergency Department team sufficient space to do their jobs quickly and efficiently. It also ensures you are receiving the best medical care as well as maintains an appropriate level of privacy. Two waiting areas are available in the Emergency Department to provide comfort and quiet for family members, friends or relatives.
What if I have questions?You should not hesitate to ask questions of those directly involved in your care. The more you know about your diagnosis, medication or treatment, the better. The Emergency Department team is committed to helping you understand your medical issues and the suggested course of treatment. It is equally important you understand your prescribed follow-up care.
What happens when a visit turns into an admission to the hospital?In some cases, you may be admitted to Catholic Medical Center for further treatment. If this is the case, the Emergency Department team will work with your primary care provider. In some cases, with your permission, Catholic Medical Center’s hospitalists may be called in to oversee care.
What about minor illnesses or injury? Is this handled differently?The CMC Emergency Department is designed to also treat patients with minor, non-urgent injuries or illness. There is a separate area staffed for faster evaluation and treatment. Highly trained and experienced nurse practitioners, nurses and paramedics work in close consultation with the emergency physicians on duty.
What happens after a visit to the Emergency Department?During your time in the Emergency Department, additional tests may be taken. Once a diagnosis is made and a treatment course has been prescribed, it is essential you understand the next steps. Discharge instructions will provide you with the appropriate follow-up care or medication prescribed. If you do not understand the discharge instructions or have additional questions-ASK! You are responsible for your own care after you leave the Emergency Department. The Emergency Department at Catholic Medical Center makes every effort to follow through with your primary care provider to notify them of a visit. It is strongly recommended you arrange a follow up appointment with your primary care provider.
In some cases, you may need assistance from a family member or friend to assist you in your safe return home. If you need additional assistance-ASK! The staff at the Emergency Department at Catholic Medical Center wants to ensure a patient can return home safely and enjoy good health. If help can be extended, it will be.
Catholic Medical Center is located at 100 McGregor Street, Manchester, NH. For more information, please call 603.668.3545, 800.437.9666 or call ASK-A-NURSE® at 603.626.2626.