At Lonestar 24hr ER, we are a standalone emergency room, not an urgent care. This means we are able to place patients in private observation units, which gives our doctors the time to observe your body’s response to treatment, and any other symptoms that may arise during your visit. This gives our team the ability to make the right call for your treatment.

If you do need to be admitted to a hospital for further observation, our team will handle the entire
process to maintain continuity of care. From private transport to a secured room at the final
destination.

No appointment or referral is needed. Walk in any time.

What Observation Is Used For

Depending on a patient’s illness or injury, most ER visits will last 1-2 hours, but there are
scenarios where observation is needed before a patient can be sent home or to a higher level of
care.

In an ER setting, observation happens after a patient has been seen or treated, but the physician
needs more time to monitor your symptoms or response to treatment before sending a patient home
safely.

During observation, our team will:

  • You will be placed in a comfortable private treatment room, where a team member is available for you 24/7.
  • Observe and recheck vitals (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen, temperature)
  • Perform additional lab work or diagnostic imaging as needed
  • Watch for a patient’s response to medication, IV fluids, or pain control
  • An observation period ensures a nurse and physician are available and ready to assist the patient
    at a moment’s notice.

After Observation

We also use observation for decision making, a clear aftercare treatment plan, or admission
to a hospital if a higher level of care is necessary.

Why You May Need Observation

Observation is often the right call when:

  • Chest pain — Additional cardiac labs are needed to rule out a heart attack
  • Severe abdominal pain — We watch out for appendicitis, gallbladder issues, or
    bowel issues
  • Dehydration and severe vomiting — Ensuring fluids are being held down
  • Possible concussion or head injury — Observing for any delayed symptoms
  • Fainting or nearly-fainting — we will check a patient’s heart rhythm and blood
    pressure over a period of time
  • Allergic reactions — after epinephrine is given, we want to make sure symptoms
    don’t return
  • Asthma, breathing problems, and pneumonia — to confirm oxygen and breathing are
    stable before release
  • Uncontrolled blood sugar — Ensuring stability of blood sugar levels before a
    patient can safely return home
  • Severe Infections and fevers — this is often for children, elderly, or anyone
    with compromised immune systems

The goal of observation and inpatient care is simple and clear, a patient cannot be sent home until
it is safe. This period also ensures you are not admitted to a hospital when it is not needed.

If You Need to Be Admitted to a Hospital

If an ER physician determines inpatient care is needed for hospital-level treatment, surgery, or
specialized services that we cannot provide, we will coordinate with the admissions team of that
hospital for you. Ensuring a stress free experience.

This means:

  • A direct physician-to-physician handoff, not a re-do of your entire visit
  • All of your records, labs, and imaging will be sent ahead giving the hospital team information so
    they can hit the ground running.
  • Transport by private ambulance at no cost to you, the patient.
  • Clear explanation to you and your family about what will happen next, and why.

Our goal is to make sure the hospital team knows your story and no time is wasted when you reach
their facility.

Why This Matters

Most ERs will only discharge or admit a patient. If you’re in the gray area, it can get confusing and
often your time is wasted. Some may be sent home too soon, while others may be admitted when they do
not need it. Statistics claim that 80% of hospital visits end in discharge on the same day.

A few hours of careful monitoring can be the difference between a safe trip home with clarity and a
second trip to the ER in the middle of the night.

What to Expect

Private rooms, not waiting rooms

Patients stay in a treatment room with a nurse nearby the entire time. Family members are
allowed.

Same doctor, same team

There are no handoffs that leave the next doctor repeating the same steps.

Answers before you leave

Regardless if you are discharged or admitted, you will leave our ER with answers and a clear
understanding of what is wrong, what we did, and what you should do next.

Clear communication with your regular doctor

We share our records with your primary care physician or specialist, ensuring follow-up care is
seamless.

Questions Patients Ask

How long does observation usually take?

Most observation periods are a few hours, and some are just long enough to redo labs, recheck vitals,
or observe a patient’s response to treatment. Depending on the situation, the stay can be extremely
short or longer.

Is observation the same as being admitted?

No, it is not. Observation is part of your initial visit to the ER. When a patient is admitted, it is
at the hospital, and we coordinate everything.

Will my insurance cover it?

Most insurance plans do cover emergency observation care when it’s necessary. We will bill your
insurance directly. Our billing team will answer all of your questions along the way. Feel free to call
us if you have questions.

Can my family stay with me?

Yes, all family members are welcome during observation.

Can I eat or drink during observation?

Yes, but this will be based upon the reason why you are being observed. If the doctor approves it, we
are happy to bring you something.