FAQs
Find answers to frequently
asked questions here!
Frequently Asked Questions
- » I'm having chest pains
- » I might be having a stroke
- » I am less than 20 weeks pregnant, where should I go?
- » I am more than 20 weeks pregnant, where should I go?
- » I was seen in the Emergency Department and need help with my follow up care
- » My child is sick
- » I need help understanding or paying my Emergency Department bill
- » I need an appointment at a Stanford clinic
I'm having chest pains
IF YOU THINK YOU ARE HAVING A HEART ATTACK, CALL 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY OR GO TO THE CLOSEST Emergency Department
Chest pain may be a sign of a heart attack.
Patients complaining of chest pain receive an electrocardiogram (“heart tracing” or ECG) within ten minutes of arrival at the Stanford Emergency Department. After evaluation by emergency doctors and cardiologists, if a patient is a candidate for balloon angioplasty or other intervention, they will be taken to the cardiac catheterization lab, which is available 24/7.
Stanford is home to a world renowned Heart Center, where patients may receive follow up care.
I might be having a stroke
IF YOU THINK YOU ARE HAVING A STROKE, CALL 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY OR GO TO THE CLOSEST Emergency Department
Signs of a stroke »
It is extremely important to seek immediate medical care if you suspect you are having a stroke. If you or someone you know is experiencing stroke symptoms, seek emergency assistance immediately - CALL 911 - do not wait!
Stanford uses a full range of stroke treatments, including thrombolytic (“clot busting”) medicines and catheter-based mechanical thrombolytic devices. These treatments are time sensitive and can help reduce damage due to stroke. DO NOT DELAY. SEEK EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU ARE HAVING A STROKE.
Stroke patients may receive follow up care at our renowned Primary Stroke Center.
About one-third of all strokes are preceded by one or more episodes of a neurological deficit(s), known as transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and sometimes as “mini-strokes.” TIAs can occur days, weeks or even months before a stroke.
Don't ignore signs, even if they go away. TIAs are often early warning signs of a more serious and debilitating stroke that will occur in the future.
Stanford Hospital is a Primary Stroke Center »
I am LESS than twenty weeks pregnant, where should I go for treatment of emergency signs and symptoms?
Monday-Friday 9am-5pm:
Call Labor and Delivery at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital (LPCH) and ask to speak with a nurse. You will be given further instructions at that time.
Phone: (650) 498-4069
After business hours or on holidays:
Go to the Stanford Emergency Department at 900 Quarry Road Extension for care
Seek medical care if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Temperature higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit
- Chills with or without fever
- Strong or constant abdominal pain
- Severe vomiting lasting 24 hours or more
- Vaginal bleeding – bright red, soaking a pad an hour or similar to regular menstrual flow
- Wound or blow to the abdomen
- Painful urination
I am MORE than twenty weeks pregnant, where should I go for treatment of emergency signs and symptoms?
Monday-Friday 9am-5pm:
Call Labor and Delivery at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital (LPCH) and ask to speak with a nurse. You will be given further instructions at that time.
Phone: 650-723-5403
After business hours or on holidays:
Go directly to Labor and Delivery at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital
LPCH Labor & Delivery is located on the second floor of Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at 725 Welch Road. Do not go to the Stanford Emergency Department
Seek medical care if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Temperature higher than 100 degrees (or chills with or without fever)
- Pain or pressure in your belly or back that gets stronger over several hours
- Severe vomiting lasting 24 hours or vomiting blood
- Vaginal bleeding
- Wound or blow to the abdomen
- Painful urination
- Severe swelling of the face, hands or feet
- Sudden increase in weight
- Severe headache or problems with vision (blurring/double vision)
- Leaking fluid from the vagina
- The baby is moving less than previously. Please call with any questions or concerns
Important: If you are less than 20 weeks pregnant, click here for instructions
I was seen at the Emergency Department and need help with my follow up care
If you have questions regarding your follow-up care, please contact the Stanford Emergency Department Call Back Nurse Program
Phone: (650) 723-4411
Hours: 9am-9pm (7 days a week)
My child is sick
Stanford Hospital has a dedicated Pediatric Emergency Department. Our doctors have special expertise in pediatric emergencies and many are board certified in both pediatrics and emergency medicine. After you register in the main Emergency Department lobby, the Patient Access Representative (registrar) will assist you in locating the pediatric waiting room, which is designed for your child’s comfort.
I need help understanding or paying my Emergency Department bill
The Patient Billing Customer Service Department is happy to assist you with billing questions.
Phone: (800) 794-8978 or (650) 498-7200
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm
The Patient Billing Customer Service website also contains helpful information.
I need an appointment at a Stanford clinic
If you received a referral from an Emergency Department doctor, please contact the Call Back Nurse Program for assistance in setting up your appointment.
Phone: (650) 723-4411
Hours: 9am-9pm (7 days a week)
If you are a new patient and would like to be seen in one of our clinics learn how to schedule an appointment.