• Primary Stroke Center, JCAHO
• American Heart Association GWTG Silver Performance Achievement Award--Heart Failure, Coronary Artery Disease.  Bronze Performance Achievement Award--Stroke, Heart Failure, Coronary Artery Disease
• HealthGrades® Five-Star Ratings--Treatment of Heart Attack, Treatment of Heart Failure,  Treatment of Stroke, Coronary Interventional Procedures

Florida Medical Center's Emergency Department is always open to serve you and your family.  Along with delivering immediate advanced emergency treatment for severe injury and illness, FMC has been recognized for high levels of quality in treating heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and other life-threatening conditions.  

FMC has been cited for following treatment guidelines proven to be most effective in saving lives and improving health.  In the Emergency Department, skilled, experienced board-certified emergency physicians, registered nurses and technicians care for seriously ill or injured adults.  While we do not offer pediatric or obstetrical services, all patients needing emergency treatment are stabilized before transfer to an appropriate facility.

The Emergency Department is equipped with advanced technology.  FMC's advanced medical and surgical capabilities in heart, stroke, orthopedics and other specialties help ensure that timely care is available on-site for all kinds of patient needs.

Information For Emergency Patients

We know no one wants to be an emergency patient, and that patients and their families may be upset or frightened by their illness or injury.  You are in good hands.  Our staff is highly trained to provide excellent care.  If you have any questions after discharge, or if there is anything we can do for you, call the Emergency Department (954) 730-2895.

Our Pledge

Our goal is to offer the best possible patient care and customer service.  We are committed to this goal and to exceeding your expectations.

Triage

Upon arrival, a registered nurse will see you. This is the beginning of your medical treatment.  The triage nurse will ask the reason for your visit, inquire about your medical history and perform a brief exam.   Triage helps determine the severity of your condition and helps ensure the most urgent patients are seen by a physician first.  This is why someone who arrives after you may be taken into the treatment area before you.

Registration

You will be asked for information necessary to begin your chart.Ê If an exam room is available, you will be taken directly into the treatment area.  Otherwise, you will be asked to remain in the reception area

Treatment

In the treatment area, the testing process begins.  A certified emergency room physician will see you.  Your nurse may start an IV, obtain a blood or urine sample or send you for an X-ray if necessary.  Physicians see patients based on the severity of their illness.   Our goal is to evaluate all patients in a timely manner.  Evaluations may take up to three hours, or longer if specialized tests are needed.  Waiting time may increase during peak tourism months.

Visitors

The treatment area has a limited capacity.  Initially, relatives and friends are asked to remain in the reception area unless their presence is absolutely necessary for the care of the patient. In this way, the patients' needs can be met and privacy maintained.   Minor patients may be accompanied by their parents.

Re-Evaluation

Once all test results are received, the Emergency Department physician will reevaluate you.  Based on these results and your condition, you may be discharged home or admitted to the hospital.Ê Your private physician will be contacted to help in this decision.  If you do not have a physician, one will be assigned to you from our on-call list of specialists.  Extended waiting time may occur due to delays in test results, availability of hospital beds or consultation with specialists.

Discharge

When you are discharged, you will be given written after-care instructions to follow at home. It is important for you to follow-up with your private physician or the referral physician.

Patient Satisfaction

We are totally committed to providing quality care and achieving the highest levels of patient satisfaction.  To help us meet our goal of excellence, shortly after your visit to the Emergency Department, you may be contacted to participate in a patient survey.  Your response to this survey is an important part of our continuous efforts to meet our commitment to you.  It is our goal to be sure that you are ALWAYS satisfied with the service we provide.