Emergency Department Services
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If you have a life-threatening emergency, pick up the telephone and dial 9-1-1.
If you are not experiencing a life-threatening emergency, but need immediate and urgent medical attention, you may visit either of our two Emergency Departments for emergency care 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the following locations:
Alta Bates Campus – Emergency Department
2450 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94705
(510) 204-4444
Map & Directions
Summit Campus (Merritt Pavilion) – Emergency Department
350 Hawthorne Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609
(510) 655-4000
Map & Directions
Emergency Services - What to Expect
At the Alta Bates Summit Emergency Departments, our goal is to care for you at a time when you're probably frightened and worried about a sudden medical condition. From the time you enter the Emergency Department to the time you are seen by a doctor or physician's assistant, there are four key steps you will take:
Step 1: Entry and Triage
When you arrive at the Emergency Department, a security officer will ask you to sign in and be seated. Your care will begin in triage - the area where we determine the severity of your condition and make sure that doctors see the patients with the most urgent needs first. When it is your turn, the triage nurse will ask you abuot your symptoms, medical history, pain level, and allergies. You will also find out if you may eat or drink while you are waiting. The triage nurse will determine what happens next for your care.
Step 2: Registration
A registration clerk will ask you for information necessary to begin your medical chart. Please be prepared to show your photo ID and any insurance information. After registration, you will move to an exam room or return to the waiting area until an exam room becomes available.
Step 3: Treatment
To determine how best to proceed with your care, we have to perform diagnostic tests such as blood tests, urine tests, or x-rays. Completing the tests and receiving results can take up to three hours - sometimes longer for specialized tests. Once we receive your test results, your doctor will further evaluate your condition and either treat you in the Emergency Department or admit you to the hospital. You may need to wait longer at this piont for additional test results, consultation with specialists, or for an appropriate hospital bed.
Step 4: Discharge
Upon discharge from the Emergency Department, you will receive written care instructions to follow at home. Please be sure to ask questions if anything is unclear to you. Is it very important to follow these instructions and schedule a follow-up visit with your doctor or clinic.
Upon leaving, you may ask an Alta Bates Summit security officer to escort you to your car if you are parked on hospital grounds. Unfortunately, we are unable to validate garage parking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q) Why are others being seen before me?
A) Patients in the most critical condition are seen first. Patients will less urgent problems may be seen in the order of arrival or based on the type of problem and the availability of specialized rooms or personnel.
Q) How long will my Emergency Department visit take?
A) It is difficult to predict how long an emergency visit will take. However, you should expect it to be a minimum of 1.5 hours and as long as 6 or more hours. In general, a visit will take from 2 to 4 hours. Mornings tend to be slower than later in the day, so if you need to return for a recheck, you may be seen faster if you come early.
Q) What if I'm in pain, or my pain worsens while I'm waiting?
A) Please notify your triage nurse immediately if your condition changes.
Q) Can family members go with me to the exam room?
A) We will make every attempt to allow one family member or friend to accompany you. However, our treatment areas are very small and busy, so we may ask that family or companions remain in the waiting area while you are in the treatment area. For everyone's privacy, you (or we) may choose to ask your family members or friend to leave when we discuss your care.
Q) How much will my visit cost?
A) We treat everyone regardless of their ability to pay. Emergency Department staff cannot estimate the charges for your visit. Your insurance company will determine if you need to make a co-payment at the time of the visit. You will receive separate billing statements from both the Medical Center and the doctor for services rendered during your emergency visit. If you have questions about the statements, please contact your insurance carrier or our business office. Charity Care is available to Alta Bates Summit patients. Visit our Charity Care webpage for more information.
Q) How will you protect my privacy?
A) Your privacy is very important to us. We do everything possible to protect your privacy, including pulling the curtain in the exam room and asking that you and your visitors remain in your room.
Q) What if I want a copy of my chart?
A) To request a copy of your medical records, please call (510) 204-2823 for the Alta Bates Campus in Berkeley, or call (510) 869-6545 for the Summit Campus in Oakland.
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