Critical Care Transport and Emergency Services

Baptist Health Hamburg's emergency department operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for those in sudden need of treatment and outpatient services. Emergency physicians and professional nurses are always on duty.

If you're suddenly in need of medical care, we recommend you take the following steps:

• First, try to contact your own physician. Your physician may want to meet you in the emergency department or your physician may call ahead and leave orders for your treatment.
• Second, if you can't reach your physician or you don't have one, you should come to the emergency department. Keep in mind though, that many health insurance plans have specific guidelines for using emergency departments, so you should be familiar with your insurance company's rules.

Concerning emergency care, if the emergency department physician who treats you believes it's advisable, he or she will contact your private physician. Every effort is made to care for each patient promptly. Treatment, however, is based on medical urgency and not always on the order of arrival. Please realize that the most seriously ill or injured patients must be treated first.

Certain records must also be completed and filed. The questions you'll be asked are important for insurance and legal purposes. They're also important to your physician and should be answered accurately. A comfortable waiting room is provided for patients and their families, with magazines, vending machines and television for your convenience.