Getting you the information and answers you need - quickly - is important to us. Check here for answers to some of our most popular questions. If you have a question, feel free to contact us at (610) 869-1000.

Emergency Department

What is triage?

It is the process that Emergency Department nurses use to assess the patients and determine in which order they will be seen by the ED physician. Triage is also used to initiate protocols that speed up the process and decrease wait times for critically ill patients.

Why can I not get any information or advice when I call the Emergency Department?

It is against policy for our ED nurses to give any advice over the phone because they are not able to physically assess the patient. They can only tell you that we are open 24/7 and suggest that you come in or contact your family doctor. In an emergency you will receive help much faster by calling 911 than calling the emergency department.

Intensive Care Unit

Why am I not permitted to give my loved one flowers in the ICU?

Gifts of flowers are not allowed in the ICU not only because space is limited due to necessary equiptment required in the patient rooms but more importantly get-well flowers can actually endanger the patient's health. Pungent blooms brought by visitors can be life-threatening to patients and anyone else in the hospital suffering from asthma or other respiratory problems. Patients can become sickened by heavily scented flowers brought in by well-intended family members. Reactions can range from mild breathing difficulty and wheezing to an inability to breath.

If you intend to bring flowers to a patient that has left the ICU, we recomend you tell the florist that the bouquet is for an ill individual they can then chose flowers that are less fragrant. Steer clear of large lillies - they are especially fragrant. Less offensive choices include carnations, tulips, azaleas and live plants. Also keep in mind that latex balloons are not a good choice since many individuals are allergic to latex. Mylar balloons may be a better choice. Consider bringing a teddy bear, reading material or a card instead.

Medical Records

How can I get copies of my medical records for other doctors? Is there a cost?

The Health Information Management Department will release copies of confidential medical records to other health care professionals, i.e., other physicians, clinics, hospitals, etc., with a signed Authorization by the patient. This type of release is considered a 'professional courtesy', and therefore no fee for the copies will be assessed.

However, all other requests for release of copies of medical records may be subject to the State of Pennsylvania fee schedule. An example of copying fees is as follows: $16.56 search/retrieval fee plus $1.11/page copying fee, and $1.65 per page copying charge for records stored on microfilm. In all instances, a duly executed Authorization must be signed by the patient prior to any release of confidential medical records.

How does the hospital ensure that my medical records are kept confidential?

All medical records are treated in a confidential manner. They are maintained by the Health Information Management Department. Copies of medical records are only released with a completed form entitled, "Authorization for Release of Confidential Medical Records", which must be signed by the patient.

Outpatient Services

Do I need an appointment for outpatient lab testing?

No, you do not. The only test that requires an appointment is a glucose tolerance test. For more information, please contact the outpatient laboratory at (610) 869-1080.

What are your outpatient laboratory hours?

Our outpatient laboratory is open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturdays.

Where do I go for pre-admission testing for a surgical procedure?

All preadmission testing for a surgical procedure is performed in the Surgery Center located in the main entrance of the hospital. For more information, please contact the Surgery Center at (610) 869-1555.