Emergency care at Penn Medicine: Frequently asked questions
Our expert team of doctors and nurses is available 24/7 to treat illness and injuries that need immediate care.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about our emergency medicine services.
Once you pass through security, a staff member will perform a preliminary registration, and an arrival nurse will quickly evaluate your condition.
After you’ve been seen by a provider, you’ll either be admitted or discharged. Your type of admission depends on your condition and care plan.
Yes, anyone who enters one of our centers for emergency care is seen. No appointment is necessary. People with the most serious conditions are seen first.
Your care team may include emergency department technicians, doctors, physician assistants, and nurses. In some cases, you may need to see a specialist, such as an orthopedist or cardiologist.
To help us treat you, please tell us about:
- Allergies
- Any recent trips abroad
- Current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Past and current health issues
Our goal is to evaluate and treat you as soon as possible. Your wait time depends on several factors, including your diagnosis and how busy the hospital is at that time.
To help make your treatment more efficient, we may call you in for testing while you’re still in the waiting room. That way, your provider can make a quicker diagnosis when they see you.
We make every effort to evaluate and treat you promptly. If you need diagnostic studies, medication, or a consultation with a specialist, you may be in the hospital for approximately two to five hours. Occasionally, your visit may take longer if the hospital is very busy. We do our best to keep you comfortable while you wait.
Yes, you can have up to two visitors at a time. At certain points, your visitor(s) may be asked to stay in the waiting room while we treat you. We do our best to minimize the time that friends and family aren’t allowed at your bedside.
We recommend leaving your valuables with a friend or family member while you’re being treated. If you’re admitted to the hospital, you can secure your valuables in a locked closet.
You’ll receive verbal and written instructions about what to do when you get home, including medication use and home care. If you have any issues, you can call your doctor or return to the center for emergency care. If you experience an emergency, call 9-1-1.