Preparing for Your Visit
How to Prepare for Your Visit
Medical emergencies occur unexpectedly, and the time available to prepare for an emergency room visit can vary depending on the nature of the emergency. Our renowned staff at the Montefiore Einstein Department of Emergency Medicine wants to ensure that you, your friends and family are as ready as possible for your visit.
Preparing relevant medical information is the first and most critical step. Have as much of this information readily available to ensure our medical team is able to make informed decisions quickly and effectively.
Contact information: Have the names and up-to-date contact details of your primary care physician, specialists, and emergency contacts easily accessible.
Medical history: Compile a summary of your health history, including any chronic conditions, past surgeries, and known allergies.
Medication list: Prepare a complete list of all current medications—including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements—along with their dosages and frequency.
Legal documents: If you have any legal healthcare documents, such as a healthcare power of attorney, bring these with you.
Insurance card: Your health insurance card and any relevant coverage information should always be with you.
Keep information accessible: Store your medical information in a central, accessible location, such as your wallet, purse, or on the refrigerator door. Emergency responders are trained to look in these places.
A trip to the emergency room can be stressful, so we encourage you to bring items that can provide comfort and support, helping you to stay focused on your or your loved one’s care.
Comfortable clothing: Wear or pack loose-fitting clothing and comfortable, easy-to-remove shoes
Snacks and water: Non-perishable snacks and a water bottle are helpful for longer waits.
Entertainment: A book, a magazine, or a fully charged device can help pass the time.
Personal items: Travel-sized toiletries and a small blanket or jacket can make you more comfortable in a cold hospital environment.
When you arrive, our team will ask you questions to understand your situation. Clear and concise communication is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment.
Be clear and concise: Be ready to describe your symptoms, medical history, and any recent changes in your health with precision.
Bring a companion: If possible, ask a family member or friend to accompany you for support and to help communicate with staff.
Translation services are available: Montefiore Einstein provides comprehensive translation and interpretation services for patients and their families, including sign language and services for limited English proficiency.
What to Expect When You Arrive
Triage is the crucial first step in your care at our Emergency Department. To ensure you receive prompt attention, our highly skilled nurses are stationed at specialized triage booths. Here, they will quickly review your medical history, assess your condition, and determine the severity of your needs to get you to the appropriate area in the Emergency Department as efficiently as possible.
For patients with minor ailments such as ankle sprains or minor injuries, our Fast Track area provides expedited care. Patients requiring urgent, potentially life-saving care—for conditions like chest pain, trauma or acute migraines—will be directed to our main Emergency Room. Here, a team of board certified and emergency medicine-trained physicians, nurses and social workers collaborates to address their complex needs.
Our Psychiatric Emergency Room is a dedicated space for patients experiencing severe symptoms such as manic episodes, major depression, or suicidal thoughts.
Our Locations
Montefiore Einstein has four adult emergency department facilities and also operates a Pediatric Emergency Department at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore Einstein (CHAM).
