Inclusion Criteria

ED Observation Inclusion Criteria



ED Obs is a place to assess responses to therapy, to facilitate consultations, undergo diagnostic testing and ensure safe dispositions for stable, straightforward patients who are expected to be able to go home. While there are a host of general as well as disease specific exclusions, you can usually tell if a patient is a good ED Obs candidate if:


  • You know the diagnosis, or one test (not readily available in the ED) can give you the diagnosis.

  • The patient has an anticipated 80% chance of going home or rehab within 24 hours

  • They are hemodynamically stable

  • Do not require intensive nursing


Patient Sources (in approximate order of frequency):


  1. Acute care zones in the ED

  2. Kaiser or Non-Kaiser Urgent Cares

  3. Outside EDs via the Telephone Medicine Center/First Call

  4. Clinics via the Telephone Medicine Center/First Call

  5. Non-Kaiser patients from clinics after discussion with Family Practice, NJ or MIM



Patients cannot be admitted to ED Observation from an inpatient acute care unit, at SJH or from another hospital.