Emergency Services

Hutcheson Medical Center is fully equipped to handle all emergencies. From pediatric to geriatrics, minor injuries to heart attacks, Hutcheson Medical Center and its qualified team of physicians and nurses serve the Northwest Georgia community, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our team of experts proudly cares for approximately 35,000 Northwest Georgia patients every year in our 17 bed Emergency Department.

Hutcheson Medical Center partners with Emergency Coverage Corporation, a local affiliate for Team Health, a nationwide physician's contracting group, to provide highly-trained physicians in emergency care. Our physicians, in partnership with our specially trained clinical staff, work together to provide expert knowledge and medical care for Northwest Georgia's emergency healthcare needs.

How to Contact Us

Hutcheson Medical Center
Alan Stout, MD, Chairman of the Emergency Department
100 Gross Crescent Circle
Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742
706-858-2000

In case of an emergency, dial 911.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Emergency Room have to treat all patients?
According to the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act - Anyone who presents to the emergency department requesting emergency treatment is entitled to a Medical Screening Exam to determine if an emergency exists.

How do I know if I have an emergency?
If you feel you have an emergency, you should seek medical attention immediately. And, you should always seek immediate medical attention if you are having chest pains. If you feel your concern is minor, but you still think you should seek advice, you may receive faster service at Physicians Family Care in LaFayette. It is open from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 7 days a week. For more information about Physicians Family Care, please call 706-638-6016.

Should I call the Emergency Room to seek treatment advice?
Our emergency room physicians and clinical staff cannot give medical advice over the telephone. If you feel you have an emergency, seek medical attention immediately.

Why do I receive multiple bills?
Often when a patient is seen, the patient will receive multiple bills depending on the services provided. While in the hospital, a patient may receive treatment from a surgeon, radiologist, pathologist, etc. A patient could possibly receive a bill from each of these separate entities, as well as from the hospital.

Why are some patients seen before other patients?
At Hutcheson Medical Center we pride ourselves in patient service. Often in an emergency care situation, patients cannot be treated according to arrival time, but must be treated according to the potential health threat.

How should I handle a complaint?
The best person with whom to address a complaint is the staff member you are directly working with. Please see what he/she can do to help make your visit more comfortable. If the staff member does not address your concern to your satisfaction, please ask to speak to the on-duty charge nurse. If your concern is still not addressed adequately, please feel free to call the Director of the Emergency Department.

Why am I given an exit interview at discharge?
At Hutcheson Medical Center, we realize patient care is our top priority. We want to hear about your experience with us. At discharge, you will be asked:

1. Did the nurse(s) treat you with respect?
2. Did the physician listen to your concerns?
3. Is there anything we can do to improve our services.

We always appreciate any comments our patients provide.

Hutcheson Emergency Medical Service

HEMS began operations in 1977 and remains committed to providing the most competent and efficient advanced life support, pre-hospital emergency care and transportation to the citizens of Dade, Walker and Catoosa Counties.

Hutcheson Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) is a high-performance Emergency Medical Service licensed as an ambulance and first-responder provider by the State of Georgia Department of Human Resources.

Today, HEMS covers over 800 square miles with nine paramedic ambulances and one paramedic first-responder unit. All of our units operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week from eight EMS stations located throughout the tri-county area.

Hutcheson EMS employs over 80 Emergency Medical Technicians - Intermediates and EMT-Paramedics to staff our ambulances, averaging over 14,000 calls annually.