how long should you wait in the emergency room?

Philippines
March 12, 2007 6:37pm CST
hello mylotters. got an annoying story for you guys. i brought my son to the ER of the nearby hospital because he cut himself with a board cutter. it wasnt that bad, but the bleeding wasnt stopping so i got worried. the staff at the ER wouldnt accomodate us until i filled up the form. i got anxious (and a little irate) and said in my native language (filipino) "how much blood does my son have to lose before you help him?!?" i was willing to fill up the info WHILE they were taking care of him, but they refused to do ANYTHING until the form was completed. GOD! if i was on the brink of death would they wait for the complete form before helping me? i mean its so ridiculous! do you think its right for them to do this, i mean i know that there's SOP but i think they should put the impt things 1st, right? am i the only one who ever experienced this?
1 person likes this
1 response
@lpipe0240 (1161)
• United States
12 Mar 07
It a great question and I can see your point. The problem is not the priority of your son. If it was life threatening they would have sent him in immediate. However, since it was just an irritation, and then had you complete the forms ahead of time. The problem with hospitals is many people come in, are taken are of, but never pay or show insurance info. Also on the form, they probably asked for any allergies and some sort of legal release. The need this before they can do anything to your son. In a nutshell the do this to be sure they get paid and the do not get sued.
• Philippines
12 Mar 07
thanks for the insight, i guess i didnt look at it that way. i guess i was just anxious seeing my sons blood dripping from his hand. i never thought of it that way...
1 person likes this
@lpipe0240 (1161)
• United States
13 Mar 07
Your concern should be for your son. Sometime we just need to turn the tables and think, why do they do that. Most times, there is a legitimate reason.