ED Waiting FAQs

What to Know While You Wait in the 
Emergency Department

Welcome!

We want to help you quickly and safely. Here's what you should know about your visit.

Who can stay with me?

• In the emergency waiting room: One person can stay with you. Children under 18 can have two people with them.
• In the emergency patient room: Two people can stay with you.

Who gets seen first?

We don't see people in the order they come in. We help the sickest people first.

Why do I have to wait?

You might have to wait because:

• There are many sick people.
• Some people have life-threatening injuries or illnesses and need to be helped first.
• We might not have enough staffed rooms.
• We need to do tests to know if you are having an emergency.
• We might need to call other doctors to help.

We can't always tell you how long you'll wait. Things change quickly.

Why is the waiting room empty, but I'm still waiting?

We might be helping people with life-threatening injuries or illnesses who came by ambulance or helicopter.

Why don't you send people away?

We have to help everyone who comes here. It's the law. We check everyone to see if they are having an emergency, even if they can't pay or don’t have insurance.

Why do people keep asking me the same questions?

We are a teaching hospital, so there may be times when a nurse and the doctor in-training will ask you questions, and then the teaching doctor may ask you the same questions to verify everything is correct. It is how our doctors make sure they understand what’s wrong and get you the best possible care.

What should I bring?

Bring these things if you can:

• Your ID and insurance card
• A list of your medicines
• A list of things you're allergic to
• Phone numbers for people we can call
• Your favorite pharmacy's phone number and address
• Any medical documents or other papers about what medical care you want
• Things that help you (like eyeglasses or a cane)
• A charger for your phone

Leave these items at home:

• Weapons, such as guns or knives
• Cash
• Jewelry or valuable items

What should I ask the doctor?

• What medicine are you giving me?
• What are my choices for treatment?
• What's the plan to help me?
• If I stay in the hospital, who will take care of me?
• Will my regular doctor know I'm here?

Remember to tell the doctors and nurses about all the prescription medication, over-the-counter medications, and vitamins you take.

Can I get help in my language?

Yes. We have people who can help you understand in your language. It's free. Call 559-624-5902 to receive assistance from an interpreter.

Can I talk to someone about my feelings, like a minister or spiritual person? 

Yes. We have special people called chaplains who can talk with you. Call 559-624-2263 if you want to talk or need prayer.

What do I do after I leave?

Please see your regular doctor after your Emergency Department visit. If you do not have a regular doctor, a list of options is available on the Visalia Chamber of Commerce website.

Would you like to give us feedback?

We would love to hear from you, both the good and the bad. We are always trying to make things better. Please call 559-624-5151 or email patientexperience@kaweahhealth.org.

No Recording in the Emergency Department

For the privacy and safety of our patients, visitors, and staff, photography, video recording, and audio recording are not allowed in the emergency department unless a staff member gives permission.

Why This Matters

Recordings can accidentally capture private patient information — such as a name, face, condition, wristband, or medical screen — even when it happens by accident. This type of information is called personal health information (PHI) and is protected by HIPAA, the federal health privacy law. HIPAA requires healthcare organizations to keep PHI private and secure at all times.

Additionally, California's Invasion of Privacy Act, including Penal Code Section 632, prohibits recording private conversations without the permission of everyone involved.

Our Promise

Kaweah Health takes patient privacy seriously. Our no-recording policy helps us protect our patients and meet our legal responsibilities.