Emergency Care Services in Birmingham, AL
Focused Emergency Care When You Need It Most at UAB Medical West
The UAB Medical West Emergency Department is a fully equipped Level 3 Trauma Center designed to provide emergency care to pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients. We operate a 17-bed unit, with a four-bed overflow unit used for our less acute care patients. The Emergency Department is located on the ground floor of the UAB Medical West Main Hospital.
Your Emergency Care Team at UAB Medical West Emergency Department
Our ED Care Team is staffed with skilled faculty and staff who are specially trained to handle this emergency environment. Working hand in hand to care for our patients are the many other specialists we have, including pharmacists, lab technicians, patient care technicians, unit clerks, and x-ray technicians. Our nurse-to-patient ratio averages 4:1, and we have the ability to provide one-on-one care when acuity rises. Our team provides emergency medicine care 24 hours a day, and we strive to limit wait times at our medical center.
The ED Care Team is not limited to hospital staff. In fact, family members and loved ones play a vital role in the care and recovery of patients. These individuals offer necessary emotional support during dire times. Additionally, they may be involved in the decision-making process concerning a patient’s treatment at the UAB trauma center at UAB Medical West.
Our Triage System Designed for You
Triage is the process used to prioritize patients based on the severity of their condition. Upon arrival at The UAB Medical West Emergency Department, the patient will be assessed by a Registered Nurse. The patient is then assigned an acuity level based on the RN’s assessment. To establish the acuity levels, UAB Medical West utilizes the Emergency Severity Index (ESI).
ESI is a five-tier triage system that allows for a more detailed assessment of each patient’s chief complaint and the corresponding resources needed. This system helps emergency department staff rapidly identify patients needing immediate medical attention and those who could be seen more efficiently in the overflow unit.
Acuity Levels
*resources indicate any test, treatment or procedure that may need to be administered (i.e. lab tests, x-rays, exams)
Visitor Information
Free parking is available immediately in front of the Emergency Department. Because these spaces are limited, we ask that multi-vehicle families utilize the parking deck behind the emergency department building.
As a courtesy to our patients receiving treatment, we ask that you refrain from cell phone use in the patient care areas. Please place your devices on vibrate or silent mode. We will gladly assist you with the use of one of our emergency department phones if needed.
For health and sanitation purposes, food or drink is prohibited from the patient care areas. The UAB Medical West staff will provide the necessary diet to patients during their stay in the emergency room.
Due to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) Privacy Laws, UAB Medical West may not release patient information to the public. In the case of family members, the ED nurse will provide a unique code word. This word may be used to gain information about the status of the patient.
Emergency Care Service FAQs
You should visit the UAB Medical West Emergency Department if you’re experiencing serious or life-threatening symptoms, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, severe injuries, or high fever in children. Urgent care is best for minor illnesses or non-life-threatening conditions.
No appointment is needed. The emergency room at UAB Medical West is open 24/7 for walk-in patients and ambulance arrivals. If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, come in immediately or call 911.
Should the need arise, patients will be seamlessly admitted to a hospital via ambulance or air transportation. We are well-equipped to handle this kind of transfer, so you can feel comfortable knowing you will receive the best care possible no matter the circumstances.
Our ED treats a wide range of emergency conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, traumatic injuries, fractures, allergic reactions, breathing difficulties, high fevers, and more. We also provide emergency care for pediatric and geriatric patients.
Yes. Our emergency care services are available 24/7, including nights, weekends, and all holidays.
If your condition requires inpatient care, you’ll be admitted directly to UAB Medical West Hospital or transferred to another appropriate facility. Our emergency team works quickly to coordinate a seamless transition, ensuring continuity of care and patient safety.
We accept most major insurance plans. If you have specific questions about coverage or billing, we encourage you to bring your insurance card or contact our billing office directly.
Yes. Our Level 3 Trauma Center is staffed by board-certified emergency physicians and equipped with advanced imaging, a full-service lab, and emergency medications. We are prepared to handle stroke symptoms, heart attacks, pediatric emergencies, and more.
Yes. After your visit, you can access your emergency department records through our patient portal or by contacting the Medical Records department at UAB Medical West. We are committed to protecting your privacy while ensuring you have access to your healthcare information.
As a patient at our emergency room in Bessemer, you have the right to receive care regardless of your ability to pay, to understand your treatment options, and to have your health information kept private. We follow HIPAA regulations and provide care with dignity, respect, and transparency.
Meet the Emergency Care Team at UAB Medical West
Burns, Paige, CRNP
Burns, Paige, CRNP
Education
Dabbs, Sara, CRNP
Dabbs, Sara, CRNP
Education
Denney, David P., MD
Denney, David P., MD
David Denney, M.D., originally from Opp, Alabama, is an Emergency Medicine Physician at UAB Medical West Hospital in Bessemer, AL. He is also Medical Director of Bessemer Emergency Physicians at the hospital. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Samford University and went on to receive his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Alabama School of Medicine. He completed both his internship and residency at Carraway Methodist Medical Center in Birmingham, AL.
Education
Denney, Josh, MD
Denney, Josh, MD
Education
Dueffer, Heinz, MD
Dueffer, Heinz, MD
Education
Fuller, David M., MD
Fuller, David M., MD
Dr. Fuller’s interests include motorcycles, water sports, and spending time with his three sons.
Education
Gratton, Kristian, PA-C
Gratton, Kristian, PA-C
Education
Herring, Sam, MD
Herring, Sam, MD
Education
Patel, Nilam C., MD
