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Emergency Medicine at Northern Nevada
Medical Center

Emergency MedicineThe Emergency Department at Northern Nevada Medical Center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide emergency medical care to residents of Sparks, Reno, Lake Tahoe and surrounding areas of Nevada and California.

In addition to a record of providing high quality emergency care, the Emergency Department at Northern Nevada Medical Center also has:

  • Advanced medical technology
  • Board-certified physicians
  • An exceptional ER nursing team that is highly trained in emergency medicine
  • Suburban parking with easy access

The Heart & Vascular Institute
Clinicians in emergency cardiovascular services work closely with our cardiology team to expedite the care of patients with heart attacks and other life-threatening conditions. Learn more.

Minutes Matter
The medical term for a heart attack is "myocardial infarction." "Myo" refers to "muscle," "cardio" refers to "heart" and "infarct" refers to "death of tissue from lack of oxygen." Like any muscle, the heart needs a steady supply of blood. Without it, heart muscle may be injured and can cause chest, shoulder, back, neck or jaw discomfort or pressure. If blood flow is not restored, heart muscle dies and scar tissue begins to form, replacing functional heart muscle. That can lead to irregular heart rhythm and/or fatal heart failure.

At Northern Nevada Medical Center, we work to shorten the time from when you arrive at the hospital to when affected blood vessels are reopened. That saves heart muscle. Lost time is lost muscle and we are dedicated to doing everything we can to increase your chances of survival and recovery. Learn more.

Chest Pain Center of Northern Nevada
Depending on the type and severity of the heart attack, the cardiac team may admit patients to the Chest Pain Center of Northern Nevada to quickly evaluate patients and administer treatments that can clear blocked arteries and restore blood and oxygen flow to damaged heart tissue.

The Chest Pain Center provides:

  • A highly skilled team of cardiology professionals who are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Sophisticated testing and treatment.
  • Quick, appropriate triage for chest pain, dysrythmias and other heart emergencies.
  • Physician admission to a private room in the Chest Pain Center.
Stroke Center
Stroke is a medical emergency that affects the brain. It is the third leading cause of death and the number one leading cause of disability in the United States. When a stroke occurs, mere minutes can mean the difference between recovery and long-term speech, sight or movement complications. Healthcare professionals know that "time lost is brain lost," so it's critical to get medical care at the first warning signs of a stroke.

At Northern Nevada Medical Center, a rapid-response team of neurologists, Emergency Department physicians and nurses is available to evaluate patients using advanced technology. One service, called Tele Neuro, allows neurologists to diagnose a stroke without having to be in the Emergency Department. That means the Emergency Department can provide diagnostic testing and treatment more quickly. Learn more.

Trauma
In addition to emergency care for heart attack and stroke, the Emergency Department at Northern Nevada Medical Center treats traumatic injuries of all types, from broken bones to serious wounds, including:

  • Management of trauma conditions: falls, motor vehicle accidents, fractures, sprains, asthma management
  • Management of acute back pain
  • Expertise in lacerations, crush injuries, abrasions
  • Treatment of migraines
  • Evaluation and management of acute abdominal pain
  • Acute eye conditions
  • Treatment for common infections: pneumonia, kidney infections, skin infections
  • Treatment of problems associated with diabetes, obstructive lung disease, heart disease and chronic medical problems

Triage
A triage nurse will assess the severity of your condition, based on your symptoms, medical history and vital signs, such as body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. Triage helps ensure that critically ill patients are seen first. That is why a physician may see another patient before you, even though that patient arrived at the Emergency Department after you. 

Physician Assessment
Emergency physicians are committed to providing high-quality emergency care as quickly as possible to all patients.  Your physician will assess your condition and may order diagnostic tests. 

Diagnostic Tests
Northern Nevada Medical Center offers advanced technology needed to enable doctors and staff to a quicker diagnosis, so you can get the treatment you need as quickly as possible. Diagnostic tests may include laboratory tests, X-rays, scans, imaging or other tests that will help your physician decide on the best course of treatment. Based on the results of your tests and diagnosis, you may be discharged to go home or admitted into the hospital for additional care.

The Hospital with the 15-minute ER Guarantee

15minute ER

At Northern Nevada Medical Center, we guarantee that you'll be seen by a nurse within 15 minutes or your emergency room visit is free.* The Emergency Medicine Team provides effective and efficient care for patients with minor ailments to those with life-threatening illnesses.

*If you're not seen by a nurse within 15 minutes of arrival, your ER visit is free. Emergency visit costs covered by guarantee include staff and facility fees. Fees for physician, lab, pharmacy, x-rays or other diagnostic imaging procedures are excluded. This offer is revocable in the event of disaster or catastrophic occurrence.

In an Emergency

If you are having a medical emergency, don’t wait. Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911!

Registration

During your Emergency Department stay, our admitting staff will assist you with the registration process, and will ask for your insurance information. If you are uninsured, we have financial counselors and other resources available to help. 

Discharge

When you are discharged, it is important that you follow up with your personal physician or a physician who was assigned to you. 

Direct Doctors Plus

DDP logo

We can help you find a family doctor or specialist with our free Direct Doctors Plus physician referral service. Let Direct Doctors Plus find a physician for you.

NNMC Advantage

One of the many benefits of NNMC Advantage membership is a streamlined registration process that lets us access and confirm your information quickly. Other benefits during hospital stays include priority upgrades to family suites (when available), a visit from an NNMC administrator, free newspaper sent to your room, and more. Sign up for the free NNMC Advantage program by completing the online application.

Note: The information on this Web site is provided as general health guidelines and may not be applicable to your particular health condition. Your individual health status and any required medical treatments can only be properly addressed by a professional healthcare provider of your choice. Remember: There is no adequate substitution for a personal consultation with your physician. Neither Northern Nevada Medical Center, or any of their affiliates, nor any contributors shall have any liability for the content or any errors or omissions in the information provided by this Web site.
 
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