WIIFM Questions
The Emergency Department is part of WhidbeyHealth's safety net, assuring that anyone needing immediate medical attention can get treated quickly.
DON'T DELAY YOUR HEALTH
DON'T PUT YOUR HEALTH ON HOLD
Don't delay addressing health concerns, even during the current pandemic. Putting off treatment may worsen your condition. If you feel unwell, contact your provider or a WhidbeyHealth clinic near you. If you are experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, or critical trauma, when every second counts, calling 9-1-1 could be the best course of action.
We are constantly in the process of updating environmental services practices. A negative-pressure treatment room has been added to the Emergency Department. Automated fever-sensing equipment has been added to the entrance, and our HALO vapor disinfectant system is in constant rotation from room to room so that even hard-to-reach crevices in treatment rooms are sanitized.
Visitors and patients will observe strict adherence to universal Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) policies, and we require that everyone entering the facility observe the masking policy.
Visitor policies have been updated to reduce potential for exposure for patients, families and staff.
Visitors and residents of Whidbey Island alike can safely have their needs addressed even if their physician is off-island.
Many routine things in life have been put on hold, but your health shouldn't wait. Seeking necessary care in our Emergency Department can prevent your condition from getting worse.
EXPERTISE ANY TIME
CALLING 911 MIGHT BE THE BEST IDEA
Serious or sudden illness and injuries often require immediate care. Some examples include chest pain, serious difficulty breathing, inability to speak or raise your arms, or losing consciousness.
These are potentially life-threatening emergencies and calling 911 can sometimes make the difference between life and death.
Calling 911 will start your treatment earlier as the WhidbeyHealth Paramedics can begin caring for you wherever you are. Driving yourself to the Emergency Department may not only be unsafe, but it may also delay you from the most rapid treatment possible.
HIGHEST QUALITY CARE IN THE SHORTEST TIME
HIGHEST QUALITY CARE
IN THE SHORTEST TIME
WhidbeyHealth ED is certified by the Washington State Department of Health as a:
- Level 4 Trauma Center
- Level 2 Cardiac Center
- Level 3 Stroke Center
The quality training, experience and expertise of our team and our state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, enables us to care for 97% of Emergency Department patients at the Medical Center, with only 3% requiring transfers to other medical centers for specialized treatment.
Our ED is staffed 24 hours a day. Upon arrival by ambulance or personal vehicle, patients are triaged, prioritized, and treated based on the severity of their condition.
Patients are seen and treated in the order of their severity. Like all Emergency Departments, each patient is individually assessed to determine the seriousness of their illness or injury and prioritized ('triaged') accordingly.
In addition to the initial screening, nurses assigned to the triage function constantly work with the patient access team at the reception desk to adjust the priorities and move everyone to treatment as rapidly as possible.
To meet the needs of our emergency room patients we use a multidisciplinary team of specialists from departments across the hospital. By integrating with respiratory care, imaging, laboratory, surgery, anesthesia, cancer, and more, enabling us to deliver comprehensive services required in one facility.
Our patient-centric approach includes collaboration with your primary care physician and/or off-island specialist to ensure a holistic treatment plan.
YOUR SAFETY NET FOR EMERGENCY CARE
YOUR SAFETY NET FOR EMERGENCY CARE
WhidbeyHealth's Emergency Department is certified as a Level IV Trauma Center by the Washington State Department of Health.
97% of Emergency Department patients are cared for at the Medical center, and only 3% are transferred to other medical centers for specialized treatment.
Every patient is seen by a physician, most of whom are board certified by the American College of Emergency Physicians. Most of the nurses you will see in the department are Certified Emergency Nurses, an advanced level of training which prepares Registered Nurses for this demanding work.
As part of the WhidbeyHealth system the Emergency Department is fully integrated with other services including Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratory, and our Pharmacy. This way, we can deliver comprehensive service patients require all in one facility.
INSURANCE COVERAGE
INSURANCE COVERAGE
WhidbeyHealth works with most health insurances companies and visits for medical emergencies are generally covered. Please contact your insurance provider if you have questions.
For more information regarding our financial services, policies, help estimating the cost of your visit/procedure and financial assistance programs, visit our Financial Services page.
