Emergency Department
Beaufort Memorial Hospital’s Level-3
Emergency Department services more than 35,000 patient visits
each year, making it the region’s primary provider
of emergency services.
The emergency medical team consists mainly of physicians, physician’s assistants, nurses, and emergency technicians. We also have technicians who provide assistance with laboratory work, x-rays, and special medical equipment. This emergency team is specifically trained to treat all types of medical emergencies. Some of the most common are:
- Heart attack
- Burn injuries
- Injuries from accidents
- Violence related injuries
- Emotional distress
- Poisonings
- Stroke
Medical care provided by physicians affiliated with Beaufort Emergency Medicine, PA.
The Emergency Department is open while undergoing renovation. However, some traffic patterns around the hospital have changed. To see the changes, click here.
Emergency Services Frequently Asked Questions
What happens
when I arrive at the Emergency Room?
When you arrive, the
first person to evaluate you is the triage nurse, who screens
all patients to determine the seriousness of your conditions
and what further evaluation is needed. The triage nurse
will ask you why you came to the Emergency Department (symptoms,
accident, etc.), and for important information about your
past medical history, including medications, allergies and
immunizations. Your
temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and weight will also be taken at this
time.
Depending on symptoms, you may be given medication for fever or pain during the
triage stage and, if necessary, X-rays may be ordered. Once X-rays are
taken, you may return to the waiting area if an exam room is not available. You
may not be permitted to eat or drink until you seen by the doctor. Please
check with the triage nurse before eating or drinking anything.
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This is a good time to make sure that you have a complete list of your medications. Go to our Patient Free Forms page, or choose a Universal Medication Form (UMF) below: |
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English Version |
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Spanish Version |
Will I have to wait to see a nurse or a physician?
One
of the most stressful parts of the Emergency Department visit
for patients and their families can be waiting for a physician
or treatment. Because many physicians’ offices are closed
on weekends, evenings and holidays, there are more patients
in the Emergency Department at these times. We will do
all we can to see you promptly and appreciate your patience. Depending
on the nature and severity of the problem, a patient may be
taken ahead of others who have been waiting longer. Waiting
times can increase when trauma patients or seriously ill patients
arrive unexpectedly. You may not be permitted to eat or
drink until you have been seen by the doctor.
Will I be allowed to have visitors during my treatment?
Yes, generally, but the number of
visitors in the Emergency Department treatment area is limited
to one per patient. This allows the emergency team sufficient
space to do their job quickly and effectively. It ensures the patients
are receiving the best medical care as well as maintains an appropriate level
of privacy. Every effort is made to keep your loved ones informed as
well as allow one of them to be with you when possible.
How and when do I pay for treatment in the Emergency
Department?
You will receive a bill for the
hospital services provided, and medical supplies necessary
during your visit. Most insurance providers offer a co-pay for
emergency care and the bill is initially submitted to the patient’s insurance
company. The patient is then responsible for the balance due after the
insurance provider’s payment is made. If you do not have insurance,
you may be required to pay for your care before leaving the Emergency Department.
You will also receive a bill from the Emergency Department Physician and other specialists who participate in your care.
Will I receive care instructions before I leave the
Emergency Department?
Yes, and it is very important that
you follow these instructions accurately. If
you do not completely understand the instructions or have any questions about
them – ASK!
Patients are responsible for their own care after they leave the Emergency Department. Patients are also responsible for and are strongly encouraged to arrange follow-up appointments with their regular physicians. The Emergency Department can refer patients to appropriate physicians for follow-up care if necessary.
Questions or comments?
Contact:
Kevin Kremer, Emergency Department
Director: (843) 525-5105
Mariah Bywater, Assistant
Director: (843) 522-7521
Beaufort Memorial Hospital
Emergency Department
955 Ribaut Road
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 522-5101
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