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Advanced Emergency Care When It Matters Most

Lutheran Hospital’s Emergency Room provides 24/7 expert care for patients across the region, baked by more than 100 years of service to the community. As a Level II Regional Trauma Center and Comprehensive Stroke Center, our highly skilled team is equipped to respond quickly to the most serious injuries and medical emergencies. Board-certified emergency physicians, advanced practice providers, and experienced nurses use advanced technology and evidence-based care to deliver fast, lifesaving treatment when every minute counts.

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12911 W 40th Ave
Wheat Ridge, CO 80401

Lutheran Hospital’s Emergency Room can treat a wide variety of emergency conditions, including:

  • Chest pain or pressure

  • Signs of Stroke: B | E F | A | S | T

    • Balance

    • Eyes

    • Facial Weakness

    • Arm Weakness

    • Speech Difficulty

    • Time to call 9-1-1

  • Abdominal pain

  • Fractures and broken bones

  • Heavy bleeding

  • Severe allergic reactions

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Head and neck injuries

  • Eye-sight injuries

  • High or sustained fevers or rash, especially among children

  • Vaginal bleeding with pregnancy

  • Loss of consciousness

  • Motor vehicle crash injuries

  • Poisoning

  • Severe infections

  • Sudden severe headaches, paralysis or seizure symptoms

If you are having an emergency, please call 911.

Know Where to Go for Care

Knowing when to visit the emergency room can be confusing. In many cases, a local urgent care, an Intermountain Health Walk-In Clinic, a virtual care visit, or your primary care provider may be the right choice.

For serious or life-threatening conditions, the ER is the best place to go. But for less urgent needs, choosing the right care setting—whether that’s in person or online—can save you time and help you get care faster.

Learn more about Candelas walk-in Clinic Learn more about Belmar walk-in Clinic Find a local Primary Care Provider Find a Virtual Care Provider

Lutheran Hospital Emergency Room Accreditations and Certifications

Level II Trauma Center

  • Our hospital is designated as a Level II Trauma Center by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), reflecting its critical role in delivering advanced trauma care across the region. Our emergency department provides 24/7 rapid, specialized treatment for serious injuries, backed by immediate access to key surgical and medical specialists. Our expert teams ensure patients receive timely, high-quality care when every second counts.

ACC Chest Pain Center

  • As an accredited ACC Chest Pain Center, by the American College of Cardiology (ACC), our emergency team specializes in a rapid evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of patients experiencing acute coronary syndrome and heart attack. Through a collaboration with cardiologists and the cardiac Cath Lab team, the emergency team is helping to save critical time when it matters most for our patients.

NCDR Chest Pain – MI Registry Platinum Performance

  • This prestigious Platinum Performance awards from the American College of Cardiology (ACC) recognizes our commitment to delivering exceptional, evidence-based care for heart attack patients, reflecting the highest standards in cardiac emergency care.

Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center

  • Lutheran Hospital’s designation as a Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center by the DNV reflects our ability to deliver the highest level of stroke care available. Our specialized teams are prepared to diagnose and treat the most complex stroke emergencies using advanced, evidence-based interventions. Patients have rapid access to 24/7 advanced neuroimaging, neurosurgical expertise, a dedicated neuro-intensive care unit, and lifesaving endovascular treatments such as thrombectomy.

COPPER Pediatric Advanced Designation

  • Lutheran Hospital’s Emergency Room holds a COPPER (Colorado Pediatric Preparedness for the Emergency Room) Pediatric Advanced designation, the highest level of pediatric readiness in Colorado. Families can trust that our emergency team is fully equipped and specially trained to provide safe, expert care for children.

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Extremely kind and professional staff that got me checked in and taken care of very quickly. The doctors, nurses, and admins were quick, personable, and answered all of my questions with professionalism and a human touch. This is the best ER I’ve ever been in.

Lutheran Hospital Emergency Room Patient, May 2026

Frequently asked questions regarding Lutheran Hospital's Emergency Room

What types of insurance are accepted?

Lutheran Hospital’s Emergency Room accepts most major insurance plans. Because coverage can vary by plan and situation, we recommend being proactive and confirming your specific benefits with your insurance provider.

Insurance Plans

Will I receive more than one bill for my emergency room visit?

You may receive more than one bill when you receive care at Lutheran Hospital, since several providers may be involved in your treatment and bill independently. For example, independent specialists could include radiologists, emergency room physicians, and anesthesiologists.

Some independent providers may not be covered under your insurance; check with your insurance carrier for coverage information. 

Review all bills you receive for appropriate contact information. If you have any questions regarding your bill from any provider, please contact the hospital or the physician's office listed on each statement for additional assistance.

Learn more about billing at Intermountain Health

What should I expect during my emergency room visit?

When you arrive, a triage nurse will quickly assess your symptoms and determine the level of care you need. Patients with the most serious conditions are seen first, but our team works hard to care for everyone as quickly as possible.

Once you’re in an exam room, a provider will evaluate you, order any necessary tests, and keep you informed throughout your visit. After your results are ready, your care team will explain the next steps and whether you can go home or need further treatment.

The average emergency department stay is 3–5 hours. Wait times may vary depending on your symptoms, the tests needed, and your personalized care plan. Critical patients or a high volume of patients may increase the length of your visit.

Does Lutheran Hospital’s Emergency Room treat children?

Yes, Lutheran Hospital’s Emergency Room is proud to be COPPER (Colorado Pediatric Preparedness for the Emergency Room) certified. Our emergency room is equipped with pediatric-specific equipment and medication, follows evidence-based protocols for pediatric assessment and emergencies, undergoes annual pediatric competencies for our clinicians, and provides developmentally appropriate, family-centered care.

Can someone stay with me while I’m in the emergency room?

Yes, we generally allow one visitor at a time in the ER to help maintain a safe and calm environment for all patients. Exceptions may be made in certain situations based on patient needs and circumstances. Visitors are welcome 24 hours a day, 7 days a week while you are receiving care in the ER.

How does triage work in the Emergency Room?

Triage is the process we use to make sure every patient receives the right level of care as quickly as possible. When you arrive in the Emergency Room, a triage nurse will assess your symptoms, check your vital signs, and ask a few questions to understand what you’re experiencing.

Patients with life‑threatening or severe conditions are treated first, while those with less urgent needs may wait longer. This helps us ensure that the most critical patients receive immediate attention. Throughout your visit, your care team continually monitors your condition and may adjust your priority level if your symptoms change.

Will I be admitted to the hospital after my Emergency Room visit?

Most patients who come to the Emergency Room are evaluated, treated, and able to return home the same day. Admission to the hospital only occurs if your care team determines that you need additional monitoring, testing, or treatment that cannot be provided in the ER. If admission is recommended, our team will explain the next steps, answer your questions, and help make the transition to an inpatient room as smooth and comfortable as possible.

What specialists are available in the ER?

As a Level II Trauma Center, Lutheran Hospital’s Emergency Room offers immediate access to a wide range of medical specialties to support rapid, comprehensive care. Our care team includes experts in trauma and general surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedics, neurology, cardiology, interventional radiology, cardiothoracic surgery, urology, plastics and hand surgery, among others. This coordinated, multidisciplinary approach ensures patients receive the specialized care they need – right when they need it most. 

Is language interpretation available?

Yes. We offer free language interpretation services to ensure every patient can communicate clearly with their care team. Interpretation is available in multiple languages—both in person and through phone or video services—as well as American Sign Language. Just let a staff member know if you or a family member needs assistance, and we’ll connect you with an interpreter right away.

What should I bring with me to the Emergency Room?

Getting you fast and accurate care is our primary goal. Please consider bringing the following items with you:

  • Emergency contact information
  • Insurance Cards
  • Legal documents, such as advance directives
  • List of, or bag with your current medications
  • List of known allergies
  • Photo identification
  • If you’ve swallowed something that may be poisonous, please bring the substance with you.
If I’m being transported to the ER via ambulance, can I tell them which ER I want to go to?

Yes, you can request a specific hospital, but paramedics prioritize the closest appropriate facility based on your medical needs. If you are stable and conscious, they will often accommodate your request if it is within a reasonable distance and suitable for your condition.

When is the Emergency Room open?

Lutheran Hospital’s Emergency Room is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

How long should I expect to be in the Emergency Room?

The average ER stay is 3 – 5 hours. Wait time may vary depending on tests and care plan. Critical patients or a large volume of patients can increase the length of your visit.

Average test result completion times:

  • Lab/blood tests: 1 – 2 hours
  • CT scans: 2 – 3 hours
  • MRI scans: 2 – 3 hours
  • Urine sample: 1 – 2 hours
  • X-Ray: 1 hour
  • Ultrasound: 1 – 2 hours
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The entire team is competent, caring, patient, and effective.

Lutheran Hospital Emergency Room Patient, May 2026

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