Emergency Care

If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

At Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, we make a trip to the emergency room as painless as possible. In our award-winning emergency department, you’ll experience short wait times to be seen by a top-level Washington University physician. You’ll also get the leading-edge care and attention you'd expect from Barnes-Jewish, in a warm, friendly and convenient location right in Creve Coeur.

Why Choose Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital for Emergency Care?

When you have an emergency, you need quality care fast. We offer both excellent care and a high level of efficiency, right here in west St. Louis County. Our emergency department features:

World-class health care providers around the clock: You will always be seen by a Washington University physician, no matter when you come in. Even at 2 a.m., you’ll be able to count on the very latest medical knowledge and expert treatment from a highly trained doctor.
Award-winning patient care: Our emergency department received a 2021 Excellence in Healthcare 5-Star Award from Professional Research Consultants, Inc., a national healthcare research organization. This award demonstrates our commitment to excellent experiences for our patients.
Convenient care: Experience the world-class care you expect from a leader like Barnes-Jewish, with the convenience and close-knit family feel you appreciate in a intimate sized campus.
Urgent care, only better: We not only treat the same illnesses and conditions as the area’s urgent care clinics, we also treat chest pain, broken bones and other serious conditions that require on-site hospital equipment like MRI, X-ray and CT scanning technology.
Access to expert specialists: If you need specialized medical attention after your visit, you’ll have access to some of the region’s top specialists including Washington University, BJC Medical Group and private practice physicians.
Coordinated follow-up: If your condition requires it, we are happy to communicate with your primary care provider and close the loop for your continued care.

Emergency Care at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital: Our Treatments & Services

We treat everyone, regardless of your ability to pay. Our emergency physicians are trained to handle a wide range of emergencies and illnesses, including:

Common injuries

Broken bones, strains and tears

Auto accidents/whiplash

Back pain and strains

Cuts and minor burns

Complications from cancer treatment,
such as fever or dehydration

Crush injuries

Emergency fractures and displaced bones

Falls

Sprains

Please note that we do not have the capacity to treat these types of emergencies:

Stroke
Trauma (major injuries from violent accidents)
Emergency childbirth labor or miscarriage
Major children’s emergencies
Psychiatric services and emergencies

The closest children’s emergency room, provided by BJC HealthCare, is located at Missouri Baptist Medical Center. It is staffed by Washington University doctors in partnership with St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

Our Emergency Department Facilities

We want you to be as comfortable as possible during your visit, which is why we offer:

Privacy and intimacy: 7 private rooms and 3 bays for more personal attention
Rapid test results: 24/7 availability for CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds and X-rays
Waiting room amenities: Free WIFI, TVs and vending machines
Easy access and convenience: Ample, free parking available near the emergency department entrance

How to Prepare for Your Visit to the Emergency Room

If your emergency allows time for it, you may wish to consider the following tips before you arrive to make your visit go as smoothly as possible:

Bring your insurance card, as well as a list of any medications you take, including the doses and phone numbers for the prescribing doctors.
If you’re in pain, or anticipate pain after your visit, arrange a ride home.
While we strive to make your visit as short and effective as possible, we also recommend you bring a cell phone charger and something to read.

Meet Our Emergency Medicine Leaders

Rick Tao, MD
Medical director for the emergency department
Meet Dr. Tao
Hear Dr. Tao talk about his passion for emergency care and the patient experience.
Jessica Davis, RN
Clinical nurse manager for the emergency department

Gun Safety for Children

A basket of free, no-questions-asked gun locks are available to patients, families, team members and visitors in our emergency department. This is part of a system-wide program to reduce gunshot injuries in our community by making locks available in all BJC emergency rooms. Firearm injuries cause more deaths in people ages 1-24 than any other type of injury— including car accidents.

Our Location, Hours & Directions

Location

Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital
Emergency Department
12634 Olive Blvd.
Creve Coeur, MO 63141

Hours

The Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital emergency department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Driving Directions

We are conveniently located just one mile west of I-270 on Olive Boulevard. Traveling west on Olive Boulevard, turn left onto Barnes West Drive. Ample parking is available near the Emergency Department entrance.

Get directions to our hospital.

Billing Questions

For billing questions or to make a payment, visit our financial assistance and billing resources.

Contact Us Today

To speak with the registration desk in the emergency department at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, call 314.996.8470.

MEDICAL SERVICES