Operating a successful, patient-centered emergency department is as highly specialized as emergency medicine itself. By contracting with Pegasus, your local hospital is getting a wealth of experience and proven systems for improving the quality and service they deliver. As a patient, you get better care and a better experience.

The Pegasus system is unique in this regard. Our management team comes into our partner hospitals, assesses needs, puts systems in place and hires the necessary staff and physicians to manage the department on site. In essence, we bring our experience and systems to the table, but the actual day-to-day management comes from within the department and is directed by physicians who live and work in your community.

Board-certified physicians are among the best in their areas of specialty. In addition to standard medical training and residencies, they are reviewed by a board of physicians in their respective specialty, which is supervised by the American Board of Medical Specialists. Board-certified emergency physicians participate in an ongoing process of continuing education to keep current on the latest advances and technology in emergency medicine. To maintain certification, physicians must complete accredited and specialty training along with periodic exams that demonstrate competency.

In each of our emergency departments, Pegasus has greatly decreased wait times by implementing Fast Track systems. We've improved the quality of care by employing board-certified emergency physicians. Overall patient satisfaction has risen dramatically. With Pegasus, you'll be treated sooner, better and with greater compassion and understanding.

Under the Pegasus model, the physicians who treat you are employed by Pegasus Emergency Group. In fact, many of them are partners in the Pegasus practice in your community. This means that they have a vested interest in providing excellent care and a positive patient experience. Most of the non-physician staff is employed directly by the hospital. We find that this model quickly improves care, reduces staff and physician turnover, and instills a sense of ownership and pride throughout the emergency department.

In most cases, billing will be handled by your hospital or insurance provider and all questions should be directed to one of those billing departments. In the event you receive a bill from Pegasus directly, you'll be given a point of contact to whom you can address questions or concerns. You may receive a bill from Pegasus if:

• You do not have insurance.
• You did not present insurance information before you left the hospital.
• There is some insurance information, but not enough to bill the insurer.
• Your insurance has paid the maximum benefit and the balance is your responsibility.
• Your insurance requires you to make a co-payment or has a deductible that is your responsibility.
• You were hurt on the job or in an auto accident, and did not have the claim number or the name of the insurer when you visited the Emergency Department.

Upon your arrival to the Emergency Department you will be met by the triage nurse. The triage nurse is responsible for taking a brief history and exam to establish the seriousness of your problem. Immediate care is provided to those patients who have life- and limb-threatening problems where time is critical.

We have two Emergency Physicians working during peak times Friday through Monday, as well as mid-level practitioners (Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners) all week. There is an Emergency Physician available for back-up 24 hours a day should the department become so busy that patients cannot be seen within one hour.

Depending on your condition you may have to wait in the waiting area. Soon, you will meet the treating physician and nurse. They will evaluate your problem, and order lab work, x-rays and treatments if necessary. After these are completed the doctor will explain the results and the effectiveness of any treatment, and a discharge or hospital admission plan will be provided for you. Your personal physician will be notified by telephone if you require admission to the hospital, or have a serious problem mandating care by a specialist. What if I have questions about my diagnosis or treatment?

You should feel completely comfortable with the knowledge you've gained about your problem and how to treat it. We will go over any questions you may have so you will feel secure with the care provided. And there will always be someone available to answer your questions from home.