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Understanding the Emergency Room Experience

If you’ve ever had to wait in the emergency room, you might have felt that the process seems confusing or even unorganized. But what may seem like a delay is part of how emergency care works. 

Waiting in the ER can be one of the most stressful things you might experience, especially when you or a loved one is in pain or discomfort from an injury or sudden illness. It’s easy to think that an emergency room should be a place where you get care right away, but that’s not always possible. 

There are many reasons for this. Other patients may need urgent care, and some might even be in more serious condition, requiring faster treatment. Some patients also arrive by ambulance and may be seen right away in areas away from the waiting room. 

No one expects to go to the ER, but if you do, there are some things to keep in mind to make the experience less stressful and frustrating. Click this link to learn more. 

Options for Care

Know Before You Go

Have an unexpected illness or injury but unsure whether to rush to the ER? Knowing the difference between emergency services, urgent care, primary care and telehealth can save your life. When in doubt, it’s better to be safe and call 9-1-1 or go to the closest ER.

Learn about your Options for Care

Related Services

Emergency Services

Centra Emergency departments are open 24 hours to serve patients who are seriously injured or ill and require immediate care.

Trauma Services

Lynchburg General Hospital is one of twenty-one trauma centers in the commonwealth of Virginia, and one of nine Level II centers.

Urgent Care

Walk-in without an appointment to one of our Centra Urgent Care locations. From everyday coughs and colds, to itches and stitches for your little ones, we've got you covered.