When emergencies strike, our Emergency Room (ER) is ready to provide immediate, expert care for a wide range of medical needs. Open 24/7, we treat everything from minor injuries to life-threatening conditions with efficiency, compassion, and advanced medical technology.
Understanding Levels of Emergency Room Visits
ER visits are classified into five levels of care based on the complexity and resources needed to address the medical issue. This classification helps prioritize treatment and determines the cost of care:
- Level 1: Minimal treatment for minor issues, such as a simple rash or medication refill.
- Doctor exam only – with or without prescriptions
- Level 2: Low-acuity concerns requiring slightly more attention, such as mild fever or minor sprains.
- 1-2 Simple Tests IM/PO Meds
- Level 3: Moderate conditions requiring diagnostic tests or treatments, such as asthma exacerbation or wound repair.
- 3 or more Simple Tests 1 Complex Test 1 Procedure Simple Laceration (suture removal included) 1 Nebulizer Treatment IV.
- Level 4: More serious concerns needing advanced diagnostics and care, such as abdominal pain or complex lacerations.
- 2 or more Complex Tests 2 or more Procedures 1 High Complexity Test Complex Laceration (suture removal included) 2 or more Nebulizer Treatments.
- Level 5: Critical cases involving multiple interventions for life-threatening conditions, such as heart attack symptoms or severe trauma.
- Observation Chest Pain Protocol Major Trauma Transfer Life Support.
The level assigned reflects the medical team’s time, tests, and treatments involved, directly impacting the cost of your visit, with Level 1 being the least costly and Level 5 the most.
Some Examples of Tests and Procedures:
- Simple Test
- Flu, Covid, Strep, Pregnancy, UA
- Complex Test
- X-Ray, EKG, Blood Tests, Cultures
- High Complexity Test
- CT, MRI, Ultrasound/Sonogram-Payic, Simple Laceration Glue only or laceration is less than 2cm in length
- Complex Laceration
- Laceration greater than 2cm or is a facial laceration
- Procedures
- Fracture reduction, splint placement, incision & drainage, lumbar puncture, foreign body removal, procedural sedation, nerve block