A new department called ExpressCare is open to provide a different level of services for our patients. The difference is that less critical conditions will be seen in ExpressCare where they are treated by either a physician or a mid-level practitioner and our caring nursing staff.

The critically ill and seriously injured will continue to be treated in the Labette Health Emergency Room. As always, an emergency medical team consisting of highly trained physicians and nurses are on staff and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to treat the immediate needs of emergency patients.

What is ExpressCare?
ExpressCare is a walk-in clinic adjacent to the Emergency Room that provides services for those patients who need urgent care when a regular physician's office is unavailable. The hours of operation for ExpressCare are 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. seven days a week.

Labette Health ExpressCare is designed and equipped to handle the following conditions:

• Ear, Nose, throat and upper respiratory infections
• Skin irritations
• Simple lacerations
• Sprains/strains and minor fractures
• Eye injuries
• Gastric discomfort
• Animal and insect bites
• Worker's Compensation

ExpressCare serves as a convenient, cost effective, quick alternative to emergency room care.

How do I get to the Emergency Room and ExpressCare?
New signs along Highway 59 will direct you to use the center drive of Labette Health and enter the hospital through the main patient Admitting entrance. The Emergency Room and ExpressCare are located directly inside the door on your left. Patients will no longer be able to enter the Emergency Room through the ambulance entrance.

What happens when I arrive at the Emergency Room?
When you arrive, you will meet with a member of our triage team who will evaluate your condition and assign you to the most appropriate area - ExpressCare or Emergency Room - for analysis and treatment. The triage process is an examination that tells us how serious your medical condition is when you arrive. It is very important that the most seriously ill and injured persons be treated first.

Before you can be treated in ExpressCare or the Emergency Room, you will be asked to sign a consent form authorizing appropriate medical treatment. Consent from a parent or legal guardian is required for patients 18 years or younger.

Creating a record of your visit is very important. During your visit you will be asked for your personal health information and medical insurance coverage. All information provided to the emergency and ExpressCare care staff is protected by the HIPPA Privacy Act.

Will I have to wait to see a nurse or physician?
Every effort is made to provide prompt care; however, you may have to wait before you are seen by a medical professional. There are a variety of reasons for this. The most common reason is that other patients may need to be treated first due to a more serious injury or illness. You may also have to wait for procedures such as x-rays and laboratory tests; results take time to be obtained and reviewed. Your patience is always appreciated.

Will I receive care instructions before I leave?
Care instructions will be provided to you before you leave. It is very important that you understand and follow these directions. If you do not understand the instructions or have any questions about them, please ask one of our staff members.

Will I be allowed to have visitors during my treatment?
For reasons of patient safety and privacy, the number of visitors in the treatment area is kept to a minimum. This also allows the emergency team sufficient space to do their jobs quickly and effectively. Every effort is made to keep your loved ones informed of your condition as well as allow them to be with you when possible.

How and when do I pay for Emergency and ExpressCare services?
Co-payments and deductibles are collected at the time of service. For purposes of patient safety and billing accuracy, you will be asked to provide and / or verify demographic and insurance information. Most insurance cards list the co-pay amounts for Emergency and Urgent Care visits. Payments can be made by cash, check, Visa, MasterCard or Discover.

Labette Health has a Financial Assistance Program for those who qualify. Please call the Business Office at 620-820-5252 for more information regarding this program.