Penn Highlands Emergency Room

What Type of Conditions Require Emergency Care?

Many people are concerned about going to an emergency room either because they don’t “want to be a bother” or they are not sure their problem needs emergency care. We want you to know that you are never a bother at Penn Highlands emergency rooms—we would rather you use precaution and seek care than experience something that could threaten your life. In general, call 9-1-1 or go to the closest Penn emergency room if you are experiencing any symptoms that are sudden, intense, and cause you extreme concern.

Call 911 or visit one of our Penn emergency rooms for:

• Symptoms of a heart attack, including chest pain and shortness of breath
• Symptoms of a stroke, including face droopiness, arm weakness, and slurred speech
• Broken bones that pierce the skin or cause severe pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Severe abdominal pain
• Severe allergic reaction
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Sudden, severe headache
• Other serious illnesses or injuries

Does Penn Highlands have a Walk-In Clinic near me?

If your medical condition is concerning but does not require emergency care, you have several options for walk-in care at Penn Highlands. You should always start with contacting your primary care provider. However, if you do not have a PCP or cannot get an appointment, please consider:

What is the Difference Between Emergency Care vs. Walk-in Care?

While any medical condition can be scary and confusing, typically you only need emergency care if you:

• Are experiencing any signs or symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.
• Are losing a lot of blood and can’t stop the bleeding.
• Have experienced trauma to the head or spine.
• Have sudden, intense pain.
• Can’t breathe or have a sudden very high temperature.

However, these are not the only signs of an emergency medical condition, so if you have any signs that are sudden, severe and worry you, either call 911 or one of our Penn Highlands emergency rooms for advice.

When you have a medical concern that needs to be treated soon but is not a medical emergency or you are not able to see your primary care provider, it’s best to visit a Penn Highlands QCare walk-in clinics, including Penn Highlands QCare Walk-In Care or Penn Highlands QCare Now.

How Do I Know if I Need Emergency Care Services?

Knowing whether or not you need emergency care services can be tricky. When in doubt, head to the emergency room. If you have time to assess your situation, the best criteria to determine whether or not you should seek emergency care services or, instead, head to your primary care physician or an urgent care are:

• Is it life threatening?
• Is breathing abnormal or compromised?
• Is there uncontrollable bleeding?
• Do you suspect a heart attack or stroke?
• Is there lack of consciousness?

If you can answer “yes” to any of the above, call 911 or go to your closest emergency room.

If you still can’t decide, call or head to a Penn emergency room. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

When are Penn Highlands Emergency Rooms Open?

All of our central Pennsylvania emergency care centers are open 24/7 every day of the year to provide immediate emergency care for you and your family. To reduce costs and keep wait times to a minimum, if you have a non-emergent condition, we invite you to visit any of our QCare Walk-In Care clinics.

How will the ER Doctor Determine what’s Causing my Symptoms?

Emergency doctors use a variety of methods to determine how to provide the best emergency care. They’ll start by asking you a range of questions about the onset of your symptoms and to describe your symptoms. They will conduct a physical examination — often they can spot a problem such as heart attack or stroke within seconds just based on your symptoms and presentation. They’ll also ask about your medical history. They may order lab tests to check for signs of infection, dehydration and anemia. They also may order an X-ray, ultrasound, or advanced medical imaging, such as a CT scan or PET scan. These tests check for heart problems, broken bones, internal bleeding, kidney stones, appendicitis, and other conditions. Your ER doctor will use all the information gathered from these exams to provide you with a diagnosis and treatment plan for your emergency care.

What Should I Bring with Me to an Emergency Clinic near me?

When visiting any of our Penn emergency rooms, please bring with you:

• A form of identification
• Your insurance card
• A form of payment. We offer convenient payment options including cash, check or credit card. Insurance co-payments can be checked and are due at time of service.

Will My Insurance Pay for My ER Visit?

Every insurance plan is different, and we recommend understanding your plan and any restrictions when you secure your insurance rather than waiting to understand your coverage when you need emergency care services. Penn Highlands Healthcare accepts most insurance plans. We will bill your insurance directly. All copays and deductibles will apply, and payment will be expected at the time of service.

Why Choose Penn Highlands for Emergency Care Services?

Penn Highlands Healthcare offers full-service emergency care services at each of our hospitals throughout Pennsylvania. Available 24/7 every day of the year, our ERs are equipped and staffed for complex and critical needs, including life-threatening circumstances ranging from stroke and heart attack to injuries following a traumatic accident.

Are there any Virtual Options for Emergency Care Services?

If you need emergency care, you should be seen in person at a Penn emergency room or the closest ER. For times when you need advice but could benefit from staying home, consider QCareNow. Our virtual care platform gives you 24/7 access to a healthcare provider online so you can get on the fast track to getting better. All you need is a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a webcam. We use the latest video technology to deliver secure, face-to-face care and consultation, without you having to go to a walk-in clinic. Learn more about QCareNow and download the app for when you need it.