Emergency Services

At UTSW, we believe we provide the highest level of health care in the Metroplex, but it does come sometimes with an investment of time. The emergency department always prioritizes life-threatening cases first, regardless of arrival time, when patients are at high risk of permanent disability or death. We know that time is critical to you, and you can rest assured that we are doing our best to coordinate care in order to prioritize your safety.

We want you know what is going on with your care. Be sure to engage with the staff and the physicians so we can make sure your voice is heard. Voicing your concerns to your assigned nurse will often help expedite any concerns you may have. Often, we are coordinating care while awaiting your results, preparing your medical documents, reviewing your medical history, or attending to a critical situation. Your patience is greatly appreciated. We strive to keep you informed and take your concerns seriously.

At UTSW, our No. 1 priority is your safety and satisfaction. Your physician will use a combination of clinical expertise, history, appropriate testing, and other medical information to determine your safety and the appropriate next steps. While most patients who are discharged are perfectly safe to go home, there will always be a small percentage of patients who may need to return to the emergency department. We encourage patients to be aware of any signs of a condition worsening and to report any developing concerns.

At UTSW, we pride ourselves on providing comfortable spaces for our patients, including spacious lobbies, private rooms, and upgraded modern facilities. Sometimes disruptions occur as a result of specific medical emergencies; however, our staff will work tirelessly to ensure your comfort and to mitigate any disruptions.

You are an invaluable member of the health care team. Here are some ways you can stay engaged in your care and aid your medical team.

Bring with you:

• Identification
  • Government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport).
• Insurance information
  • Health insurance card or details about your insurance coverage
• Contact information
  • A list of emergency contacts, including phone numbers
• Medications
  • A list of all current medications, including dosages and schedules
  • Bring the actual medication bottles if possible.
• Medical history
  • A summary of your medical history, including any chronic conditions, past surgeries, and significant illnesses
• Allergies list
  • A listing of any allergies, especially to medications, foods, or materials such as latex
• Primary care provider information
  • Contact details of your primary care provider and any specialists you see regularly

Personal Comfort Items

• Clothing
  • Comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing in case you need to change for exams or procedures
• Glasses or contacts
  • Your prescription glasses or contact lenses, along with their case and solution
• Hearing aids
  • If you use them

Practical Items

• Phone and charger
  • Your cellphone and a charger to help stay in contact with family or friends or look up any necessary information
• Notepad and pen
  • To jot down any important information or instructions provided by the medical staff

For Children or Dependent Adults

• Comfort items
  • Favorite toys, blankets, or other items to help comfort them during the visit
• Snacks and drinks
  • Nonperishable snacks and drinks for the waiting period, if allowed and appropriate for your medical condition

Optional Items

• Reading material or entertainment
  • Books, magazines, or electronic devices to pass the time during long waits
• Advance directives
  • If you have advance directives or a living will, bring a copy

What Not to Bring

• Valuables
  • Avoid bringing large sums of money, jewelry, or other valuable items that could be lost

UTSW has excellent specialist physicians who excel at taking care of their patients. However, your specific specialist might not be immediately available, especially after-hours, on weekends, or during holidays. Nonetheless, specialists have specific on-call schedules, and while it might not be your regular specialist, the on-call specialist will be more than qualified and happy to provide you excellent care.

We understand that you might have competing pressures that prevent you from staying in the hospital. We ask that you always notify the medical staff of your intention to leave, as they can provide advice and attempt to expedite any necessary procedures. In addition, staff will try to provide you specific instructions, including when to return and what symptoms to watch out for as well as possible risks. You may be asked to sign a form acknowledging that you are leaving against medical advice (AMA) and that you understand the associated risks. When you return, you may need to go through the triage process again and might have to wait to be seen. In summary, while it is possible to leave and return to the emergency department, it is important to communicate with the medical staff and understand the potential risks and implications for your treatment.

We understand that waits can be difficult and that often our patients may be asked to defer any consumption while their results are pending. Some of these reasons a doctor or nurse might ask you to hold off on eating or drinking include avoiding certain negative interactions with treatments or medications, complications in assessing certain conditions, increased risk of complications should procedures or surgery be necessary, etc. If you feel hungry or need to eat due to a medical condition such as diabetes, it's important to communicate this to the medical staff. They can provide guidance and potentially make exceptions or provide suitable alternatives. In summary, restrictions on eating in the ER are primarily in place to ensure accurate diagnostics, safe treatment, and overall patient safety.

In order to be at the forefront of excellent patient care, UTSW has resident physicians involved in all levels of care. Residents are physicians who have completed medical school and are in the process of finishing their subspecialty training, often with more than 10 years of education. Residents practice under the supervision of attending physicians who have completed their training and are available around the clock, ensuring there is always a doctor available to respond to your needs and make timely decisions. This team-based approach – in collaboration with nurses, specialists, and other health care professionals – allows us to provide you excellent holistic care.