What Happens When You Visit the Emergency Room?

Step 1: Triage and Assessment

When you arrive at the ER, you’ll first go through triage. This means a nurse will talk to you about your symptoms and how you’re feeling. This helps us decide how quickly you need care.

If your condition is very serious, you’ll be seen right away. If it’s less urgent, you might have to wait a little longer while we help others who need care more quickly.

Did You Know?

Your care starts right at triage—even before you go to a treatment room. A medical provider in the waiting area will talk with you and begin your care plan. On average, you’ll speak with a provider within 30 minutes of arriving.

Even if you’re asked to return to the lobby after triage, don’t worry—your care is already in motion. Our team is working behind the scenes to make sure you get the help you need as soon as possible.

Step 2: Exam Room

Once you’re taken to a treatment room, your nurse will help you get comfortable and ask questions about your health and symptoms. The nurse will perform a general exam and share the information with your provider. Then, a healthcare provider will do a full evaluation and may order tests to help figure out what’s wrong and how to treat it.

Many patients receive the care they need and are discharged without ever reaching a traditional hospital room or bed. Archbold's emergency rooms use a care initiation area where providers initiate or complete tests for patients. For some lower-risk patients, our team may provide treatment in chairs instead of beds. Our priority is effective and efficient care, and that doesn't always involve time lying in a hospital bed.

Step 3: Testing

Depending on your symptoms, your provider may order tests like bloodwork or X-rays. These tests help us understand your condition better. Experts will carefully review your results to make sure your diagnosis is accurate.

If tests are needed, your visit may take a little longer. The average wait time for common tests like blood tests or imaging are:

• Blood tests: 90-120 minutes
• X-rays: 60 minutes
• CT scans: 90-150 minutes

For radiology tests the results are read by a radiologist and reported back to the Emergency department physician. While you wait, our medical team is working hard behind the scenes to review your results and plan your care.

Once your results are ready, your provider will explain what they mean and talk with you about treatment options. Sometimes, more tests may be needed to confirm what’s going on.

Step 4: Treatment

Your treatment may be quick or take more time, depending on your illness or injury. Some treatments are simple, while others may take a few hours. Our team will make sure you get the care you need.

Step 5: Registration Completion

After your treatment, a Patient Access Representative will meet with you to go over your registration details. This helps us:

• File your insurance claim correctly
• Let you know about any costs not covered by insurance

You’ll be asked for your insurance information and any payments due before you leave. If you don’t have insurance or need help paying your bill, Archbold offers a Financial Assistance Program.

Step 6: Discharge

Your provider will decide if you’re ready to go home or if you need to stay in the hospital. They may also talk with your regular provider or a specialist to make sure you get the right care.

If any test results are not ready before you leave, we’ll follow up with you to share them. This ensures you and your provider have all the information needed to continue your care.