How to Visit Regional One Health

Regional One Health is a vital public healthcare institution serving the Memphis, Tennessee, metropolitan area and beyond. As the regions only Level I Trauma Center and a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, it provides critical emergency, surgical, maternal, and specialty care to thousands annually. Whether you are seeking urgent medical attention, scheduling a routine appointment, or visiting a loved one, understanding how to navigate the facility efficiently can significantly reduce stress and improve outcomes. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of visiting Regional One Healthfrom planning your trip to post-visit follow-upensuring you are fully prepared, informed, and empowered.

Many individuals, especially those unfamiliar with public healthcare systems or facing time-sensitive medical needs, find the process of visiting a large urban hospital complex intimidating. Misconceptions about parking, registration, insurance requirements, and access points often lead to delays or unnecessary frustration. This guide eliminates ambiguity by offering a clear, step-by-step roadmap tailored to different types of visitors: patients, family members, and first-time guests. By following these protocols, youll maximize your time, minimize confusion, and ensure seamless access to the care you need.

Importantly, Regional One Health operates under a mission of equity and accessibility, serving a high proportion of uninsured and underinsured populations. This means the institution has developed systems to support individuals regardless of their financial or logistical circumstances. Understanding how these systems work is not just practicalits essential for anyone planning to visit. This guide is designed to demystify the process, aligning your expectations with the hospitals operational realities while highlighting best practices that improve your overall experience.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Determine Your Reason for Visiting

Before setting foot on campus, clarify the purpose of your visit. Regional One Health offers a wide range of services, and your reason for coming will dictate the appropriate entry point, documentation, and waiting procedures. Common reasons include:

• Emergency care (trauma, chest pain, severe injury, stroke symptoms)
• Outpatient clinic appointments (primary care, diabetes management, prenatal visits)
• Diagnostic imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT scan)
• Lab services (blood draw, urinalysis)
• Visiting a hospitalized patient
• Specialty consultations (cardiology, neurology, oncology)

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergencysuch as difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, sudden weakness, or loss of consciousnessproceed directly to the Emergency Department. Do not delay. Emergency services are available 24/7 and are prioritized based on clinical urgency, not arrival time.

For non-emergency appointments, confirm the exact location of your clinic or service. Regional One Health operates multiple buildings across its campus, including the Main Hospital, the Womens and Childrens Center, and the Outpatient Care Center. Each serves different functions. Contact your providers office or check your appointment confirmation email for the correct building and room number.

2. Verify Your Appointment or Admission Status

If you have a scheduled appointment, ensure you have received and reviewed all pre-visit instructions. These may include fasting requirements for bloodwork, bringing previous imaging or lab results, or completing forms electronically. If you are being admitted for inpatient care, confirm your admission time and the name of your care team.

For patients without prior appointments, walk-in services are available for certain clinics, such as urgent primary care and behavioral health. However, wait times can vary significantly depending on daily volume. It is strongly advised to call ahead or check the hospitals online portal to confirm availability before arriving.

When visiting a hospitalized patient, verify the patients room number and current status. Visitor policies may vary based on the unit (e.g., ICU, maternity, pediatric). Always check with the nursing station upon arrival to ensure you are permitted to visit and to receive any updated guidelines.

3. Plan Your Transportation and Arrival

Regional One Health is located at 847 South Dunlap Street, Memphis, TN 38104. The campus is accessible by car, public transit, and rideshare services. Parking is available on-site but can fill quickly during peak hours (7 AM10 AM and 4 PM6 PM).

Driving: Use GPS coordinates or map apps to navigate to the main entrance on Dunlap Street. Follow signs for Emergency Entrance, Outpatient Entrance, or Visitor Parking. The hospital has multiple parking lots labeled by color and number. Lot A is designated for visitors and is closest to the main lobby. Lot B serves staff and is often restricted during business hours. Lot C, located near the Womens and Childrens Center, is ideal for maternity and pediatric visits.

Free parking is available for all visitors. No validation or payment is required. However, always lock your vehicle and avoid leaving valuables visible. If you have mobility challenges, designated accessible parking spaces are available near all major entrances. A shuttle service operates between parking lots and buildings for those who need assistance.

Public Transit: The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) provides bus routes that stop near the hospital. Routes 12, 14, and 16 serve Dunlap Street within a 510 minute walk of the main entrance. Check MATAs real-time app for schedule updates. Rideshare drop-off zones are clearly marked on Dunlap Street, directly in front of the Emergency Department and main lobby.

4. Enter Through the Correct Entrance

Choosing the right entrance is critical to minimizing wait times and avoiding confusion. Regional One Health has four primary entry points:

• Emergency Department Entrance: Located on Dunlap Street. Use this entrance only if you are experiencing a medical emergency. No appointment is needed.
• Main Hospital Entrance (Lobby): Found on Dunlap Street, adjacent to the Emergency Department. This is the primary entry for outpatient clinics, lab services, imaging, and visitor check-in. Open daily from 6:30 AM to 8 PM.
• Womens and Childrens Center Entrance: Located on the east side of the campus. Use this entrance for prenatal visits, labor and delivery, pediatric clinics, and neonatal care. Separate from the main hospital for privacy and safety.
• Outpatient Care Center Entrance: Located on the north side of the campus, accessible from McCallie Avenue. Used for specialty clinics, physical therapy, and long-term care coordination.

If you are unsure which entrance to use, call ahead or check the hospitals website for a campus map. Upon arrival, follow directional signage or ask a greeter in the lobbythey are trained to direct visitors to the correct location.

5. Complete Registration and Check-In

Every patient must complete a registration process before receiving care. This includes verifying personal information, insurance details (if applicable), and consent forms. Even if youve visited before, you may need to update your records.

For scheduled appointments, you may be asked to check in at a kiosk or front desk. Bring a government-issued photo ID and your insurance card if you have one. If you are uninsured or underinsured, inform the registration staffthey will guide you through financial assistance options, including the hospitals Sliding Fee Scale Program, which reduces costs based on income and household size.

For emergency visits, registration occurs concurrently with triage. You will be assessed by a nurse immediately upon arrival and then directed to a treatment area. Registration paperwork is completed during or after stabilization.

Visitors do not need to register unless they are accompanying a minor or legally authorized representative. In such cases, a photo ID may be required for security purposes.

6. Navigate to Your Destination

Once checked in, follow signage to your destination. Elevators and hallways are clearly marked with color-coded zones and department names. If you are visiting a clinic, your providers office will be listed on a digital screen near the elevators or on the wall outside the clinic suite.

For imaging or lab services, proceed to the designated wing. The Radiology Department is located on the second floor of the Main Hospital. The Laboratory is on the first floor near the main lobby. Wait times for these services vary; check-in kiosks provide estimated wait times based on current volume.

If you need assistance navigating, ask a volunteer or patient services representative. Volunteers wear blue vests and are stationed in lobbies and near elevators. They can escort you to your destination if needed.

7. During Your Visit

When you arrive at your appointment or service area, you may be asked to wait briefly. This is normal due to the unpredictable nature of emergency care and the complexity of patient flow. Be patient and use this time to review any questions you have for your provider.

Bring a list of your current medications, allergies, and symptoms. If you are visiting for a chronic condition, bring recent records or test results from other providers. This helps avoid redundant testing and ensures continuity of care.

For pediatric or elderly patients, bring a comfort item (stuffed animal, blanket) and a snack or drink if allowed. Staff are trained to accommodate special needs and will work with you to ensure a calm, supportive environment.

If you are being discharged after a procedure or hospital stay, ensure you understand all discharge instructions. Ask for written materials, clarify medication schedules, and confirm follow-up appointments. The discharge coordinator will help you arrange transportation if needed.

8. After Your Visit

After your appointment or hospital stay, you may receive a summary of your visit via mail, email, or through the hospitals secure patient portal. This includes test results, prescriptions, and follow-up recommendations.

Review all documentation carefully. If you have questions about your diagnosis, treatment plan, or medications, contact your providers office during business hours. Do not hesitate to seek clarificationunderstanding your care is part of your right as a patient.

If you received a bill, review it for accuracy. Regional One Health offers payment plans and financial aid for those who qualify. Visit the Billing Office on the first floor of the Main Hospital or call the number on your statement for assistance. No one will be denied care due to inability to pay.

Best Practices

Arrive Early

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. This allows time for parking, check-in, and completing any necessary paperwork. During peak hours, even a 15-minute delay can push your appointment back. For emergency visits, arriving early does not guarantee faster servicetriage prioritizes based on medical need, not arrival time.

Bring Essential Documents

Always carry the following items:

• Government-issued photo ID (drivers license, state ID, passport)
• Insurance card (if applicable)
• List of current medications and dosages
• List of known allergies
• Previous test results or imaging reports (if relevant)
• Any referral or authorization forms from your primary care provider

If you are uninsured, bring documentation of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters) to apply for financial assistance. The hospital does not require upfront payment for emergency care.

Communicate Clearly

Be honest and thorough when describing your symptoms. Even seemingly minor detailssuch as when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, or whether it radiatescan be critical to diagnosis. Dont downplay symptoms out of fear or embarrassment. Healthcare providers are trained to handle sensitive issues with professionalism and compassion.

If you have difficulty speaking English, request a medical interpreter. Services are available in over 20 languages and can be accessed via phone or in-person. Do not rely on family members or friends to interpret unless absolutely necessary.

Know Your Rights

As a patient at Regional One Health, you have the right to:

• Receive care regardless of ability to pay
• Be treated with dignity and respect
• Ask questions and receive clear answers
• Refuse treatment (except in emergencies where consent cannot be obtained)
• Access your medical records
• File a complaint or provide feedback

These rights are outlined in the hospitals Patient Bill of Rights, available at any front desk or on the official website.

Prepare for Wait Times

Emergency departments and high-demand clinics often experience delays. This is not a reflection of service quality but of high patient volume and clinical complexity. Bring a book, headphones, or a mobile device to pass the time. Stay hydrated and comfortable. If your condition worsens while waiting, notify the triage nurse immediately.

Follow Up

Dont assume your care ends when you leave the facility. Schedule follow-up appointments as directed. If you were prescribed medication, pick it up promptly. Monitor your recovery and note any new or worsening symptoms. Contact your provider if you have concernseven after hours, a nurse line is available for urgent questions.

Respect Hospital Policies

Visiting hours vary by unit. Generally, visitors are welcome between 11 AM and 8 PM, but ICU and pediatric units may have stricter limits. Limit visitors to two at a time to avoid overcrowding. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult and may be restricted from certain units for infection control. Hand hygiene is mandatoryuse hand sanitizer stations located throughout the facility.

Tools and Resources

Official Website

The Regional One Health website (www.regionalonehealth.org) is your primary resource for up-to-date information. It includes:

• Interactive campus map with building locations
• Department directories and service descriptions
• Online appointment request forms
• Financial assistance applications
• Visitor guidelines and hours
• News and community health events

Use the website to pre-register for appointments, view your test results, and update your contact informationall from your smartphone or computer.

Secure Patient Portal

Regional One Health offers a secure online portal called MyChart where registered patients can:

• View lab results and imaging reports
• Message your care team
• Request prescription refills
• Schedule non-urgent appointments
• Access educational materials

To enroll, visit the portal link on the hospitals website and follow the registration instructions. Youll need your date of birth and a unique access code provided at your last visit. If you dont have one, ask at the front desk.

Mobile App

The Regional One Health mobile app is available for iOS and Android devices. It provides real-time updates on wait times in the Emergency Department, maps for navigation, and push notifications for appointment reminders. Download it from your devices app store by searching Regional One Health.

Community Health Partners

Regional One Health partners with local organizations to support patient needs beyond clinical care. These include:

• Memphis Food Bank: Provides food assistance to patients with nutritional needs related to chronic illness.
• Memphis Housing Authority: Assists with transportation and housing stability for vulnerable populations.
• Legal Aid Society of Memphis: Offers free legal advice on medical debt, insurance denials, and disability claims.

Ask your care coordinator or social worker for referrals to these services. No referral is needed to access them.

Transportation Assistance

For patients without reliable transportation, Regional One Health coordinates rides through local nonprofit partners. These services are free and available for scheduled appointments. Call the Patient Navigation Office at (901) 545-7000 to request a ride. Drivers are trained to assist patients with mobility challenges.

Language and Accessibility Services

Interpretation services are available in real time via phone or video for non-English speakers. Sign language interpreters are available upon request. The hospital is fully ADA-compliant, with ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and hearing loop systems in key areas. If you require accommodations, notify staff upon arrival or in advance.

Real Examples

Example 1: First-Time Visitor with Diabetes

Sarah, a 52-year-old resident of North Memphis, was referred to Regional One Healths Endocrinology Clinic for insulin management after her primary care provider noticed uncontrolled blood sugar levels. She had never been to the hospital before and was nervous about navigating the system.

Sarah called ahead to confirm her appointment time and asked for directions. She arrived 45 minutes early, used the free parking in Lot A, and entered through the Main Hospital Lobby. A volunteer guided her to the Outpatient Care Center, where she checked in at the kiosk. She presented her ID and a list of her medications. The registration staff noticed she was uninsured and connected her with a financial counselor, who enrolled her in the Sliding Fee Scale Programreducing her visit cost by 70%.

She met with her endocrinologist, who reviewed her glucose logs and adjusted her insulin regimen. Sarah received printed materials, a follow-up appointment, and a referral to the hospitals Diabetes Education Program. She left feeling informed and supported.

Example 2: Family Member Visiting a Hospitalized Patient

James arrived at Regional One Health to visit his 8-year-old daughter, who was admitted after a severe asthma attack. He had never been inside the hospital before and didnt know where to go.

He used the GPS on his phone to navigate to the Womens and Childrens Center. He entered through the designated pediatric entrance and was greeted by a nurse who asked for his daughters full name and date of birth. He was directed to the Pediatric Inpatient Unit on the third floor. A visitor badge was issued, and he was reminded of the hand sanitizer requirement.

He spent two hours with his daughter, who was resting comfortably. Before leaving, he spoke with the charge nurse to understand the discharge plan and asked for a list of home care tips. He was given a contact number for the pediatric care team and encouraged to call with questions.

Example 3: Emergency Visit After a Fall

During a winter storm, 74-year-old Robert slipped on ice and fell, landing hard on his hip. He couldnt stand and called a neighbor for help. The neighbor drove him to Regional One Healths Emergency Department.

They entered through the Emergency Entrance. Robert was immediately taken to triage, where a nurse assessed his pain level and mobility. Within 15 minutes, he was moved to a treatment bay. X-rays revealed a fractured hip. He was stabilized, received pain medication, and was admitted for surgery.

While waiting for surgery, Roberts son arrived. He was directed to the visitor waiting area and updated by a nurse. No insurance information was collected at triageRobert received care regardless of ability to pay. After surgery, he was transferred to the orthopedic unit, where he received physical therapy and discharge planning.

Example 4: Walk-In for Urgent Primary Care

Tanya, a single mother working two jobs, developed a persistent cough and fever. She couldnt afford to miss work but needed care. She visited Regional One Healths Urgent Care Clinic on a weekday afternoon without an appointment.

She entered through the Main Lobby and went to the Outpatient Care Center. The check-in kiosk showed a 40-minute wait. She waited, but was seen within 30 minutes due to low volume. The provider diagnosed bronchitis, prescribed medication, and gave her a note to return to work in three days. Tanya was offered a free flu shot and referred to the hospitals wellness program for ongoing care.

FAQs

Do I need insurance to visit Regional One Health?

No. Regional One Health provides care to all individuals regardless of insurance status, income, or immigration status. Emergency care is guaranteed under federal law. For non-emergency services, financial assistance programs are available to reduce or eliminate costs based on household income.

Can I bring children with me to my appointment?

Yes, but only one child per adult is recommended to avoid overcrowding. Children must be supervised at all times. For pediatric appointments, the Womens and Childrens Center is the designated location. Other areas may restrict children for infection control.

Is there free Wi-Fi available?

Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the campus under the network name RegionalOneGuest. No password is required. For privacy and security, avoid accessing sensitive financial or medical information on public networks.

How long do I have to wait in the Emergency Department?

Wait times vary based on the number of patients and the severity of cases. On average, non-critical cases may wait 13 hours. Critical cases are treated immediately. You can check real-time wait times on the hospitals website or mobile app.

Can I get my lab results over the phone?

For privacy and accuracy, lab results are released through the secure patient portal or during a scheduled follow-up appointment. Staff cannot provide results over the phone unless you are in active care and have verified your identity.

What if I lose my belongings in the hospital?

Report lost items to the Patient Services Desk in the Main Lobby or call (901) 545-7100. Lost and found items are held for 30 days. Valuables are stored in a secure location.

Can I request a specific provider or doctor?

Yes, if you have an existing relationship with a provider, you may request them for future appointments. However, availability may vary. For emergency care, you will be seen by the most appropriate provider on duty.

Are interpreters available for non-English speakers?

Yes. Professional interpreters are available 24/7 in over 20 languages, including Spanish, Vietnamese, Arabic, and Somali. Request one upon arrival or when scheduling your appointment.

What should I do if Im unhappy with my care?

You have the right to provide feedback. Speak with a Patient Advocate in the Main Lobby or submit a formal comment via the hospitals website. All complaints are reviewed and responded to within 5 business days.

Can I get a copy of my medical records?

Yes. Submit a written request to the Health Information Management Department on the first floor. There is a small fee for copies, but it is waived for patients with financial hardship. Records can be mailed, picked up in person, or accessed digitally through MyChart.

Conclusion

Visiting Regional One Health does not have to be a daunting or confusing experience. With the right preparation, knowledge of the facilitys structure, and awareness of available resources, you can navigate the system with confidence and ease. Whether you are seeking emergency care, attending a routine appointment, or visiting a loved one, this guide has equipped you with the tools to make your visit efficient, respectful, and effective.

Remember, Regional One Health exists to serve the community with dignity and compassion. Its staff are trained not only in medical excellence but in patient-centered care. Dont hesitate to ask questions, request assistance, or advocate for your needs. You are not just a patientyou are a partner in your health journey.

By following the steps outlined here, you reduce stress, improve communication, and ensure that your time at Regional One Health is productive and supportive. Use the resources provided, plan ahead, and trust in the system designed to help you. Your health mattersand so does your experience getting care.