Emergency & Express Care

When unexpected injuries happen, quick, quality emergency care is crucial. Our highly trained specialists in our Emergency Department, Trauma Center, Express Care facilities and Primary Care locations quickly diagnose conditions, develop treatments relieve symptoms and provide care for minor to life-threatening injuries and illnesses.

When Do You Need Emergency Care?

A medical emergency means one thing: You can’t wait.

If you have a life-threatening situation, call 911 to have a medical team come to you, or go to the nearest Emergency Department. We are here for you 24/7 with emergency and trauma certified medical response teams.

Emergency Care vs. Express Care

Which one should you go to?

Some patients are unsure about the difference between emergency care and express care, also called urgent care. Both provide immediate medical care when you can’t wait for an appointment, but they are very different. Below are some examples of where you should go when you are experiencing different health conditions.

Go to the ER

Call 911 when you need immediate help, especially in the following situations:

Choking or inability to breathe

Loss of consciousness

An injury to the neck or spine

Severe burns over a large portion of the body

Seizure

Heart attack symptoms, such as chest pain or pressure, or pain in the jaw or arm

Stroke symptoms, such as a sudden inability to move, speak, see, or understand, and a sudden weakness or “drooping” on one side of the body

Inhalation of poisonous fumes or smoke

Uncontrollable bleeding

A broken bone that’s pushing through the skin

A severe allergic reaction, such as breathing difficulty, swelling, hives

Drug overdose

Having suicidal thoughts

Go to Express Care

Our Express Care clinics can handle medical problems that need fast treatment, but are not life-threatening emergencies, including:

Persistent high fever

Persistent diarrhea or vomiting

Ear pain

Painful urination

Fractures, strains, and sprains

A deep cut that needs stitches

Infections

Skin rashes

Back pain

A mild burn

Treatments and Services

If you are unsure, go to the emergency department.

Continuing Your Care

We are constantly evaluating the changing needs of the community. But we also believe high-quality care meets both the community and the individual’s needs.

After you’re discharged from the Emergency Department, you may work with a case manager who will follow up with you to answer any questions about the medical advice given by your physician, or about self-care at home.

If you need further treatment, we will send your medical charts to your primary care provider, who can be your go-to for follow-up care.

This is especially important if you have a chronic condition, such as diabetes or asthma. Managing that condition well can prevent episodes that require emergency care.

Meet the Team

Headshot of Andrew D. Barnes, APRN, Stormont Vail Health Trauma and Emergency Care

Andrew Barnes, APRN

Specialty: Emergency Medicine
Provider Bio

David Biller, M.D.

Specialty: Emergency Medicine
Provider Bio

David Brosa, PA-C

Specialty: Emergency Medicine
Provider Bio

Jason Butler, D.O.

Specialty: Emergency Medicine
Provider Bio

Veronica Diedrich, D.O.

Specialty: Emergency Medicine
Provider Bio

Jonathan Dompeling, D.O.

Specialty: Emergency Medicine
Provider Bio

Sarah Farnan, M.D.

Specialty: Emergency Medicine
Provider Bio

Matthew Foster, M.D.

Specialty: Emergency Medicine
Provider Bio

Calle French, APRN

Specialty: Emergency Medicine
Provider Bio

Ashley Hagen, PA-C

Specialty: Emergency Medicine
Provider Bio

Ivan Hart, APRN

Specialty: Emergency Medicine
Provider Bio

Jordan Haya, PA-C

Specialty: Emergency Medicine
Provider Bio

Thomas Heidewald, M.D.

Specialty: Emergency Medicine
Provider Bio

Armand Heyns, M.D.

Specialty: Emergency Medicine
Provider Bio

Bridgett Hout, APRN

Specialty: Emergency Medicine
Provider Bio

Our Locations

Stormont Vail Hospital

1500 SW 10th Avenue
Topeka, KS 66604
Location Information

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