What Brings Most People to the ER — And What Happens Next

Chest pain. Abdominal pain. Back pain. Weakness.

These are the most common reasons people visit the Emergency Department at Boone Health, according to Dr. H. Orlando Heredia, MD, MPH, Chief and Facility Medical Director of Emergency Medicine. While these symptoms can sometimes point to serious conditions, they are often treatable — and even manageable with early evaluation.

“Every patient complaint is taken very seriously,” Dr. Heredia said. “We find that most people do not have a serious problem, but the only way to make sure is by having a thorough evaluation by one of our providers.”

That thoroughness is part of what defines emergency medicine. Because the same symptom can range from something minor to something life-threatening, emergency physicians are trained to evaluate quickly, effectively and with the full range of possibilities in mind.

“We frequently see both sides of the spectrum,” Dr. Heredia said. “Severe pain that ends up being something benign, and also mild symptoms that end up being a life-threatening illness. Some emergencies are obvious and others are not.”

1st Step: Triage

When patients arrive at the Emergency Department, the first step is triage — a system designed to ensure that everyone receives the right care at the right time.

In triage, a registered nurse will take your vital signs — things like blood pressure, heart rate, temperature and oxygen saturation — and ask brief questions about your symptoms. This initial screening helps the team determine the appropriate next steps for your evaluation.

“If they determine that you have an imminent threat to life or limb, you will be taken back to the main ED and will be evaluated promptly,” Dr. Heredia explained. “If not, they may draw blood and get additional tests while you wait to be assigned a location to be seen by one of our providers.”

The space where you’re treated can vary depending on your needs. If you require a stretcher or cardiac monitoring, you’ll be assigned a room. Otherwise, you may be seen in a treatment chair or recliner.

This flexible setup helps maximize the department’s capacity and ensures that all patients receive timely care from trained emergency providers.

Treating the Most Common Complaints

While emergency departments are equipped to handle life threatening emergencies, many visits stem from everyday health concerns that are causing pain, discomfort or uncertainty. Among the most frequent are:

• Chest pain, which can range from muscle strain to heart-related concerns.

• Abdominal pain, which might be caused by digestive issues, infections, or other conditions.

• Back pain, often due to musculoskeletal strain but sometimes related to kidney or nerve issues.

• Generalized weakness, which can result from dehydration, infections, or other underlying causes.

Each of these concerns can be symptoms of something more serious — or may turn out to be mild — which is why prompt evaluation is key.

“If you are worried enough about how you feel, then we encourage you to be seen promptly,” Dr. Heredia said.

Care You Can Count On

The Emergency Department is a place designed not just for fast action, but for thoughtful, thorough care. From the moment a patient walks in the door to the time they leave with a treatment plan, the goal is the same: answers, relief and support.

“We care about you and we want to help you,” Dr. Heredia said. “Every patient will receive an evaluation to ensure there is nothing serious, and you will leave with a clear plan for next steps.”

So whether you’re experiencing sudden pain, unusual fatigue or symptoms that just don’t feel right, the emergency department at Boone Health is ready — with the expertise, compassion and responsiveness to guide you toward answers and recovery.

By Madison Loethen