Patients & Visitors
Everything you need to know as a patient or visitor of ECRMC.
Patients & VisitorsECRMC is an acute-care medical center, serving the healthcare needs of the Imperial Valley since 1956. After a $44 million expansion, what started as a 34-bed licensed hospital has grown to 165 beds. The expansion project allowed for a state of the art facility, including a new trauma center and rooftop heliport for superior trauma care. El Centro Regional Medical Center offers a number of Outpatient Centers to treat patients throughout the Imperial Valley. The ECRMC's Outpatient Centers are dedicated to provide exceptional primary and specialty care for those residents seeking enhanced well-being and improved quality of life. These outpatient centers are conveniently located in the City of El Centro and Calexico. In both cities, the centers are professionally staffed to meet ECRMC standards of medical care excellence. ECRMC is pleased to operate The Imperial Valley Wound Healing Center, staffed with a unique team of doctors, nurses and therapists all dedicated to healing chronic wounds. Since 2008, this center has provided traditional wound care and hyperbaric (HBO) treatment on an outpatient basis to our patients. By the end of 2010, ECRMC added one more member to its family, the Oncology and Hematology Center. With knowledgeable professionals and advanced technology, this new center serves all the residents in the Imperial Valley affected by cancer. Quality healthcare is about more than just equipment and facilities. It’s a familiar face, it’s comfort, and it’s trust. At ECRMC, our team of experienced physicians, nurses, and staff are your friends, your family and your neighbors. We are committed to providing you with the best care available...anywhere. At ECRMC, each and every visitor is more than a patient; they’re a valuable part of our community. ECRMC is - A Community of Care. ON ADMISSIONWhen you are admitted, on the day of your surgery or pre-admission testing, a registration clerk will obtain information from you. Please be sure you bring the following:
What should I bring?Space is limited in all patient rooms and we suggest limiting the amount of personal items you bring with you. Although we provide you with robes and basic toiletry items, we suggest you also bring:
ACCOMMODATIONSYour RoomAssigned rooms are based on clinical needs and availability. Each unit at El Centro Regional Medical Center has both private and semi-private rooms. Telephone and TelevisionTelephones are available in each room. You may receive calls from 8:00 am - 8:00 pm. The room telephone number should be posted near or on the phone. Color television sets are available in each room free of charge. If sharing a room, please be considerate of other patients by keeping a moderate volume level throughout the day and bedtime. ATM TerminalsAn ATM terminal is located near the main entrance of the hospital. Please note it is not a full-service terminal and only allows withdrawal of funds from both your checking and savings account. Dining for VisitorsFood service for visitors and patients in the newly renovated The Corner Deli is open 7 days a week for dining and is located in the center of the ground floor of the hospital. Visitors and employees can choose from hot entrees or fresh salads and sandwiches. The hospital has two outdoor patios for visitor dining.
Sunday through Saturday Additionally, there are a number of restaurants nearby the hospital campus. DirectionsTraveling from the East:
Traveling from the West:
Traveling from the North:
Traveling from the South:
Gift ShopIf you are looking for a perfect gift, consider the gift shop at ECRMC. Cards, flowers and seasonal gift ideas are available year-round for loved ones or for an everyday gift. The gift shop is operated by the wonderful auxiliary volunteers. Monday through Friday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Visa and MasterCard accepted Information DesksInformation desks are located throughout the hospital buildings, near many of the major entrances. Desks are staffed with knowledgeable staff that can help answer any questions you may have. InsuranceIf the insurance company has prior authorization requirements, the registration staff will work with the physician and patient to help obtain prior authorization. It is the patient’s responsibility to make sure that the prior authorization requirements are met prior to receiving care. After the patient is discharged, the billing staff will bill both primary and secondary insurances. If there is any remaining balance after the insurance pays, billing services will notify the patient of their responsible portion. ECRMC participates as a network hospital for many insurance plans. These contracts change and patients should be in communication with their health plans to understand what their financial obligation will be. Medical RecordsA copy of your medical records can be obtained by visiting the Health Information Management department. They are located near the center of the hospital on the first floor. A valid I.D. is and signed release form is required. ParkingPatient parking is located in four areas around the hospital. Handicapped parking is also available in each section.
Patient AdvocacyVisit Patient/Customer Relations for more information
Patient/Customer Relations: 760.339.7338 Our Patient Relations Department provides patients and their family members with special assistance during their stays and visits. Patient FinancialRepresentatives are available Monday through Friday. Patient Financial Representatives assist patients who may be eligible for public funding of their medical treatment. Patients or their designated representatives may meet with staff either while they are inpatients or after they are discharged. Follow-up meetings can be arranged in private offices located at the hospital. Case ManagementCase Mangers meet with patients and families to understand the patient’s strengths and needs. They are part of the care team and act as an additional patient advocate extending protection (in cases of crisis), support and education to the patient and family. Discharge PlanningDischarge planners review the medical record of every patient and work with the patient to arrange for the medical care that the patient will need after the patient leaves the hospital. This may include home health, follow-up physician visits and skilled nursing. Patient InformationTo respect full patient privacy, personal patient information is not available over the telephone. If you have any questions regarding our policy, please call 760.339.7100. By calling this number, we can also help you with directions, visiting hours and other helpful information. Patient PrivacyVisit Patient Privacy to learn more about a patient’s right to privacy. Personal Items and ValuablesWe recommend you bring only essential items to the hospital, especially if being admitted as an inpatient. Putting your name on necessary items such as canes, walkers or wheelchairs is recommended. We cannot replace lost or misplaced items. PharmacyThere is an outpatient pharmacy across the street from ECRMC
El Centro Valley Pharmacy Smoking PolicyAs a leading health care provider committed to the treatment and prevention of disease and the promotion of safety, smoking is strictly prohibited in any hospital building. Designated smoking areas are available outside of buildings. TelephonesTelephone service is available for most patients throughout the hospital providing incoming and local outgoing calls at no charge. Long distance calls may be placed with the carrier of your choice and will be billed to you directly by that carrier. Family and friends may dial your room phone directly. TTY phones can be provided if needed. Cell phones may be used throughout the hospital with the exception of patient rooms and procedure areas. Visiting Hours & PoliciesGeneral Visiting Hours12:00 pm - 8:00 pm. To protect patient and staff safety, all visitors must check in with security personnel and wear a badge while in the clinical areas. To protect the patient from further infection, visitors should be free from infectious disease. Only under extreme circumstances may a child be allowed to enter any clinical areas.
Age of VisitorsVisiting children under age 16 are not allowed in any patient rooms. Only in extreme circumstances is a child allowed. Minors must always be accompanied by an adult who is responsible for supervising the children at all times. Young children should not be left alone in the hospital lobbies while families are visiting. Visitor’s HealthAny visitor exposed to or having a communicable disease (tuberculosis, measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, impetigo, the flu or a cold) should not visit patients. Number of VisitorsSince our rooms can quickly become crowded and noisy, no more than two visitors are allowed in your room at one time. We encourage families to discuss scheduling their visits, in order not to overwhelm the patient by visiting all at one time. While support from loved ones is important, we also ask that visitors respect the patient's need for rest during their recovery. No SmokingSmoking is strictly prohibited in any hospital building. Restricted Cell Phone UseCellular phones may not be used in patient rooms or procedure areas. Deliveries of Mail and FlowersTo safeguard patients, certain units such as Intensive Care Units restrict flower deliveries. We encourage you to check in with the nursing staff before sending or bringing flowers. No Latex BalloonsLatex balloons are not permitted in the hospital. Mylar balloons are appreciated. Please check with the nurse before you plan to deliver anything to reassure there will not be any problems. Infectious DiseasesFor visitors who have been exposed to infectious diseases such as Chicken Pox, Tuberculosis (TB), Mumps or Measles within three weeks of their visit, please speak with the patient’s nurse before visiting. |
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