Skip to cookie consent Skip to main content

Emergency Care at Mass General Brigham

Mass General Brigham offers expert, compassionate emergency care available 24/7 at 10 locations across Greater Boston.

Find the nearest emergency room
female provider smiling with patient at bedside in an emergency room

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, including chest pain, dizziness, heavy bleeding, loss of consciousness, trouble breathing or speaking, or severe abdominal pain, or any other sudden or severe symptom that could be life threatening, please call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room. 

Emergency Departments at Mass General Brigham

We operate 10 emergency departments, many of which are recognized as verified adult and pediatric trauma centers, primary stroke centers, or centers of excellence for cardiac care. We also offer one of the largest and most advanced home hospital services in the country through Mass General Brigham Home Hospital.
 

Services we offer

Our emergency departments treat everything from common urgent issues to critical emergencies. We offer a wide range of services and leverage the full capabilities of our health system to meet the needs of our communities:

  • Comprehensive trauma care at verified Adult and Pediatric Trauma Centers for severe injuries and life-threatening conditions
  • Specialized cardiac care for heart attacks, chest pain, arrhythmias, and acute heart failure
  • Advanced stroke care at Primary Stroke Centers, including rapid diagnosis, treatment, and imaging in collaboration with Mass General Brigham neurologists
  • Behavioral health care for psychiatric, neuropsychiatric, and substance-use emergencies
  • Burn care at verified Burn Centers, offering specialized treatment for burn injuries
  • Advanced technology and diagnostics. We provide on-site diagnostic services, including lab tests, X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and specialty consultations, as well as advanced imaging for rapid diagnosis and treatment
  • Short-term monitoring and treatment to manage acute symptoms

When to go to the emergency room

Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if you experience:

  • Active labor or pregnancy complications
  • Asthma flare
  • Chest pain
  • Coughing up or vomiting blood
  • Head injury with loss of consciousness
  • Heatstroke or hypothermia
  • Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding
  • Stroke symptoms (numbness or sudden weakness, slurred speech)
  • Overdose or poisoning
  • Persistent fever
  • Seizures
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Severe burns, dehydration, or allergic reactions
  • Shortness of breath
  • Suicidal thoughts or feelings
  • Any sudden or severe symptoms that could be life-threatening

How to decide between the emergency room and urgent care

Urgent care is recommended for non-critical conditions, such as:

  • Minor injuries like sprains or small fractures
  • Cold and flu symptoms
  • Mild allergic reactions or rashes
See conditions treated by urgent care
Find an urgent care location near you

Our virtual urgent care providers can evaluate and treat many conditions remotely, including:

  • Cold and flu symptoms
  • Minor rashes, allergies, or infections
  • Mild stomach upset or headaches
See conditions treated by virtual urgent care
Schedule a virtual urgent care visit

What to expect at the emergency room

When you arrive, you will check in and provide your ID and insurance information. For details about location and parking, go the location page for the emergency room you intend to visit.

After check-in, a nurse will evaluate your symptoms and determine the urgency of your condition. You will either be asked to wait or taken immediately to a treatment area.

Once in the treatment area, you will be asked questions about your symptoms, medical history, and any medications you’re taking. During this evaluation, and depending on the location, you may be seen by a variety of emergency medicine professionals, including resident physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and attending physicians.

Your visit may include diagnostic tests, such as blood work, X-rays, or CT scans. Once the results are ready, your care team will discuss them with you and explain the next steps in your care.

Depending on your condition, your care plan may involve:

  • Receiving treatment in the ER and being discharged with instructions for follow-up care.
  • Being seen by an on-call specialist, such as a cardiologist or surgeon.
  • Being admitted to the hospital for further monitoring or treatment.

If you are sent home, your ER care team will give you detailed instructions, including a recommendation to follow up with your primary care physician. If you don’t have a primary doctor, we will provide a referral to one.

Frequently asked questions about emergency care

You should go to the emergency room if you experience severe or life-threatening symptoms, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms (e.g., sudden weakness or slurred speech), heavy bleeding, or severe injuries. Call 911 if you are experiencing an emergency.

Our board-certified emergency room doctors treat severe and life-threatening conditions, such as heart attacks, strokes, or serious injuries. Urgent care is intended for non-life-threatening issues, such as minor cuts, colds, or sprains.

The cost of an ER visit varies based on your condition, the treatments provided, and your insurance coverage. On average, ER visits can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Your hospital’s billing department can provide an estimate based on your specific case. Please contact your insurance provider for information on your plan’s coverage.

Yes, Medicare typically covers emergency room visits if the care is medically necessary. However, there may be out-of-pocket costs for services like diagnostic tests or specialist consultations.

Questions regarding any Mass General Brigham bill can be answered by calling the Mass General Brigham Patient Billing Solutions phone line at 617-726-3884.

Yes, federal law requires emergency departments to provide care to anyone experiencing a medical emergency, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. After your visit, the hospital will work with you on payment options or financial assistance programs.

If your symptoms get worse after leaving the ER, contact your doctor or return to the emergency room immediately. For severe or sudden changes, call 911. Your discharge instructions will also include guidance on follow-up care and when to seek further medical attention.

The time you spend in the emergency room depends on your condition, the tests or treatments needed, and the needs of other patients in the ER. While we aim to provide timely care, some steps may take longer:

  • Imaging tests (like CT scans or MRIs) can take several hours to complete and interpret.
  • Lab tests may require up to 90 minutes or longer, depending on the type of test.
  • Consultations with outside specialists can add to your overall time.

Video Series: In Case of Emergency

Accidents are unpredictable events that can occur at any moment. Being prepared for emergencies can save lives. Explore these instructional videos to acquire essential skills for handling emergency situations, such as the Heimlich Maneuver, CPR techniques, bleeding control methods, and more.

Watch the series on YouTube
Performing chest compressions on a supine man.
View all emergency care news