The UCSF-John Muir Health Jean and Ken Hofmann Cancer Center at the Behring Pavilion is now open.  LEARN MORE >

Emergency Services

Our Emergency Department (ED) doctors, nurses and other team members understand that medical emergencies can be stressful and overwhelming. Our goal is for all patients to receive the safest and highest quality care, as quickly as possible by following carefully developed protocols and guidelines.

When to Come to the Emergency Department

Many conditions come on suddenly that require emergency care. If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, do not wait as the condition may become life threatening. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. 

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Slurred speech / can't talk
  • Sudden severe headache
  • Facial drooping
  • Arm weakness
  • Vision loss or blurred vision
  • Bone protruding from skin
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Sudden confusion
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Sudden or worsening rash
  • Severe dental pain
  • Facial swelling
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Lower right belly pain
  • Severe nausea & vomitting
  • Severe bleeding
  • Severe burn
  • Back, head, neck injury
  • Inability to bear weight on foot, ankle, or leg

What to Expect at Our Emergency Department


Triage

In the emergency department, we see patients in the order of medical severity. This is called triage, and the purpose is to ensure that patients with life-threatening conditions get prioritized to receive immediate care. When you arrive, one of our triage nurses will review your symptoms to determine the severity of your condition and what type of care you need.

Registration

When you check in, we’ll confirm your contact details and who your primary care doctor is. We’ll also ask for your insurance information. If you don’t have insurance, we’ll connect you with patient financial assistance options. 

Care Path

Care often begins in the waiting area. So, please stay alert, as we may call you in for a lab blood draw or imaging. For less complicated plans of care, you may stay in the waiting area to wait for your results, which typically take about 60 minutes. Depending on your test results, you’ll either be admitted for a hospital stay or given the okay to return home (discharge) with follow up care instructions. 

Discharge

Even if you’ve received results before reviewing them with our team, please wait to speak with a provider to make sure your care has been completed and that you don’t need more tests. Be sure to read your After Visit Summary and ask any questions you may have about your recommended follow up care. 
 

What to Know and Do While Waiting

Our emergency services departments are in direct contact with paramedics on their way to the hospital, helping to ensure the most timely and complete care possible when you arrive.

  • Stay in Waiting Area: Once checked in, please do not leave or wait in your car, as we may need to draw blood, collect a urine sample, do some imaging or provide you with other time-sensitive care
  • Avoid eating or drinking: For your safety, please don’t eat or drink anything (or take any home medications) without speaking to a nurse first, as some tests and procedures require an empty stomach
  • Keep Your Nurse Updated: Let a nurse know immediately if you’re feeling worse, want to leave or have any other concerns

Urgent Care for Non-Emergencies

Visit one of our Urgent Care Centers if you have mild to moderate symptoms such as:

  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Rash
  • Abdominal pain (mild to moderate)
  • Urination concerns
  • Headache (mild to moderate)
  • Minor cuts
  • Ear pain
  • Sore throat and sinus pain
  • Cough and fever

Where to Go

Concord Medical Center
2540 East St., Concord, CA 94520
Emergency Services: (925) 674-2333

Childbirth services not offered at our Concord location.

Walnut Creek Medical Center
1601 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Emergency Services: (925) 939-5800