Why choose Geisinger for emergency room (ER) care?
It doesn’t matter why you had to come here — what matters is how you get treated. Our ERs are staffed 24/7 with doctors, nurses and a support team dedicated to making your visit as smooth as possible.
Geisinger Medical Center in Danville and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre have earned Comprehensive Stroke Center designations, meaning you’ll get the highest level of care for even the most severe strokes. Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton has been nationally recognized as a Primary Stroke Center.
These 3 hospitals are also recognized by the American Heart Association as Mission: Lifeline® Heart Attack Receiving Centers for advanced heart attack care. When you have a critical injury, Geisinger Medical Center and Wyoming Valley are the only Level I trauma centers in the region.
And for kids’ emergency needs, Danville’s Geisinger Medical Center has a dedicated pediatric ER.
Conditions we treat
FAQs
What can I expect at the ER?
Every ER visit is different, but here’s what you can expect from the moment you walk in to when you head home:
- Arriving at the ER: You’ll check in at the reception desk with your name and basic contact information. If your injury or illness is life-threatening, you’ll be seen by a doctor right away. Otherwise, a registered nurse will bring you to a triage area to assess your symptoms and vital signs.
- Waiting for an exam room: After your triage, your nurse may ask you to wait in the reception area if our exam rooms are full. All of our ER reception areas have seating, TVs, vending machines and complimentary Wi-Fi.
- Heading to an exam room: When a room is ready, a team of emergency medicine doctors and nurses will examine and treat you. If you need X-rays, blood tests or other lab work, your care team will keep you comfortable while you wait for results.
- Leaving the ER: Your doctor will determine when you're ready to go home and what follow-up care you need. You’ll get written discharge instructions and a summary of your visit. Test results will automatically be sent to your primary care doctor, and you can also check your results in MyChart.
- Getting admitted to the hospital: If your condition needs more monitoring or care, your ER doctor will admit you to the hospital. Your care team will then coordinate your move to a hospital room.
Which medical professionals might I see during my ER visit?
- Attending physician: A doctor who specializes in emergency medicine and will direct and oversee your medical care while you’re in the ER.
- Fellow: A doctor who has finished medical school and residency and is now getting specialized training in emergency medicine.
- Resident: A doctor who has completed medical school and is gaining hands-on training experience.
- Registered nurse: Works alongside your doctor to help with your medical care and is specially trained in emergency care.
- Child Life specialist: Certified specialists trained to work with children to help them understand what’s going on and make their visit more comfortable.
- Social worker: Works with you and your family to help address non-clinical needs, such as counseling and connecting you to community resources.
- Case manager: Helps you get the right care at the right time based on your unique needs.
- Patient assistant representative: Assists during registration, admission and when you check out.
How can I prepare for my ER visit?
If you have time before heading in, having these items ready can help speed up your visit:
- A list of your current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements and other substances you use
- Personal identification, like a driver's license, green card or passport
- A list of medication allergies
- Any test results related to your condition
- Your health insurance card(s) and copay
- Your primary care doctor’s contact information
If possible, don’t eat or drink until you’ve been seen by a triage nurse, as this could affect your care. Bring a friend or loved one if you can — they can help give details about your condition and reduce your stress.
And when you arrive, tell us your symptoms as best as you can, and be honest when answering questions. It helps us better diagnose and treat you.
When should I call 911?
Call 911 if you have:
- Shortness of breath
- Symptoms of a stroke
- Symptoms of a heart attack
- A life- or limb-threatening injury
These conditions are extremely time-sensitive and require immediate care. If you need attention right away or aren’t able to drive yourself, don’t wait — call 911.
Can I walk in, or do I need an ER appointment?
Our ERs are walk-in only, which means you can’t make an appointment ahead of time. While we’ll do our best to have you seen as quickly as possible, those who are the sickest or most injured and require immediate care may be seen ahead of you.
If you need medical care that doesn’t require treatment at an emergency room, our 24 walk-in ConvenientCare clinics offer fast, after-hours care and are open daily. Learn more about ConvenientCare locations.
What age patients do you treat?
Is my health insurance accepted?
When you’re hurt or not feeling well, money should be your last concern. Our hospital emergency rooms accept most insurance plans and are always adding new ones. If you’re uninsured, we’ll work with you based on your financial situation.
Get more information about insurance accepted.