Navigating Emergency Care at UCLA: A Comprehensive Guide

When facing a medical emergency, knowing where to go and what to expect can significantly impact your health and well-being. This guide provides detailed information about accessing emergency and urgent care services within the UCLA Health system, including Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, and UCLA West Valley Medical Center. It also covers alternative care options for UCLA students, such as the Ashe Center, telehealth services, and nearby urgent care centers.

Accessing Care for UCLA Students

UCLA students have several options for medical care, depending on the urgency and time of day. The Ashe Center is the primary resource for student health, but when it's closed or fully booked, students can utilize other services covered by UCSHIP (UC Student Health Insurance Plan).

When the Ashe Center is Unavailable

If you are unable to find an appointment online, please call The Ashe Center Appointment Line at (310) 825-4073 (Option 1) during business hours for additional appointment availability. If The Ashe Center is closed or there is not an appointment available as soon as you need it, you still have access to care -- both online, and in the local community using your UCSHIP benefits. You can access our 24/7 Nurseline by phone, LiveHealth Online via telehealth, visit a local urgent care center, or emergency department nearby.

24/7 Nurseline

All currently registered UCLA students have access to advice & information from a registered nurse through the 24/7 NurseLine at (310) 825-4073.

Mental Health Support

For mental health-related concerns when the Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) is closed, you may speak with a CAPS Crisis Clinician by calling (310) 825-0768.

UCLA Health Immediate Cares

UCLA Health Primary Care Clinics that offer walk-in appointments are called Immediate Cares. Students can access local UCLA Health Immediate Cares to address their urgent medical concerns with a UCLA Health Physician when same-day appointments have filled at The Ashe Center.

Important Considerations for UCLA Health Immediate Care Visits

UCLA Health Immediate Care visits are subject to applicable copays and coinsurances for services rendered. Students must provide a copy of their After Visit Summary (AVS) to the Insurance Services Office at The Ashe Center through MyStudentChart (Messages > Insurance Question) within seven (7) days of their visit to ensure coverage through UCSHIP. If the UCLA Health Physician makes any follow up treatment recommendations (e.g. MRI, Ultrasound, Specialist Visit, etc.), students must consult with their Ashe Primary Care Provider to discuss the recommendation(s) prior to seeking services. A valid Ashe Center Referral is required for all non-emergent Specialty Care Services outside of The Ashe Center.

Urgent Care Centers

In-network Urgent Care visits have a $25 co-payment. Note: If you go to a non-participating Anthem Blue Cross urgent care center, deductible will be applied and the claim will be covered at 60 percent of the maximum allowed amount. You may be held liable for any amount over the maximum allowed amount. It is important to carry your UCSHIP Anthem Blue Cross insurance card with you.

LiveHealth Online Telemedicine

Online video appointments (telemedicine) with an Anthem network provider when The Ashe Center is closed. Your UCSHIP plan makes seeing a doctor easy when The Ashe Center is not available to you (building closures, away from campus, or if you just have a very busy schedule that prevents you from scheduling an in-person appointment). NEW! LiveHealth Online appointments are $0 for UCSHIP students. board-certified doctors 24/7/365 via phone or online video consults for urgent, non-Emergency medical assistance, including the ability to write prescriptions. LiveHealth Online provides behavioral health services as well. If follow up care is required after a consult, the student must obtain a referral from the Ashe Center prior to seeking care outside of the Ashe Center.

UCLA Health Emergency Departments

The UCLA Health system operates several emergency departments (EDs) across Los Angeles, providing 24/7 care for a wide range of medical emergencies. These include:

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Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center Emergency Department: Located at 757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095. Contact the emergency department directly at (310) 825-2111 or the hospital information line at (310) 825-9111.
UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center Emergency Department: Located at 1250 16th St., Santa Monica, CA 90404. Contact the emergency department at (424) 259-8400 or the hospital information line at (424) 259-6000.
UCLA West Valley Medical Center Emergency Department: Located at 7300 Medical Center Dr., West Hills, CA 91307. Contact the emergency department at (818) 676-4999 or the hospital information line at (818) 676-4000.

What to Expect in the Emergency Department

Immediately upon arrival you will check-in at the registration counter. Once registration is complete, you will first see a nurse who will conduct an initial evaluation known as triage. This means that each patient is evaluated to determine the level of medical emergency. This allows us to keep every patient’s wait time as short as possible, as well as provide prompt appropriate care to all patients. After triage is complete, you will be brought to a patient room or asked to take a seat in the waiting room until a room is ready. If your condition changes while you are in the waiting room, please notify the triage nurse immediately.

Conditions Treated in the Emergency Department

Our emergency medicine specialists treat a wide range of severe and life-threatening injuries and illnesses. These include:

Abdominal pain, severe vomiting, overdose or poisoning
Broken bones
Choking or trouble breathing
Head trauma, injury to neck or spine or loss of consciousness
Heart attack, chest pain and chest pressure
Life-threatening allergic reactions
Seizures
Severe burns or bleeding
Stroke, sudden weakness or trouble walking or talking

Emergency Room vs. Urgent Care

A trip to the emergency Room can be costly and time-consuming. Unless you have a life-threatening condition, it is best to go to an Urgent Care center near you.

UCLA Health Immediate Care Locations

For non-life-threatening conditions, UCLA Health offers Immediate Care locations for same-day visits. These clinics provide a convenient alternative to the emergency department for minor injuries and illnesses.

Westwood Immediate Care: 200 Medical Plaza Suite #420 Los Angeles, CA 90067 Phone: 310-206-6232 Mon - Fri: 8am - 9pm Sat - Sun: 9am - 5pm
Century City Immediate Care: 10250 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90067 Phone: 310-286-0122 Mon - Fri: 8am - 8pm Sat - Sun: 9am - 6pm

UCLA Health Excellence in Emergency Care

UCLA Health excellence in Emergency Care Our skilled team specializes in delivering the highest level of care to children and adults. As leaders in emergency medicine, we offer specialized expertise in stroke, heart attack, trauma and pediatric critical care. Using advanced technology, including on-site CT scanners, all-digital X-rays and sophisticated cardiac catheterization labs, we’re able to respond to emergencies quickly and efficiently.

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Advanced Treatment for All Ages

The Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center Emergency Department is a Level I trauma center and pediatric critical care center. Nethercutt Emergency Department in UCLA Health Santa Monica Medical Center has the only pediatric intensive care unit in the city of Santa Monica. Our outstanding team specializes in delivering the highest level of care to children and adults.

Highest Quality Stroke Care

The UCLA Stroke Center is certified by The Joint Commission as an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center. This distinction means we’ve met the nation’s highest standards for stroke care. The UCLA Health Mobile Stroke Unit (MSU) was the first of its kind on the West Coast. With a specially equipped ambulance, our team of stroke experts delivers lifesaving treatments when every minute counts.

Recognized Expertise in Cardiac Care

As designated Mission: Lifeline® (STEMI) Heart Attack Receiving Centers, our emergency departments have an established protocol to respond to heart attacks as quickly as possible. We ensure that heart attack patients reach our on-site cardiac catheterization lab in under 90 minutes. Fast response times mean better outcomes for our patients.

Streamlined Access to Technology

On-site CT scanners speed diagnosis and treatment for a range of symptoms and conditions, including chest pain and stroke. Our EDs feature all-digital X-rays, state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization labs and quick turnaround times for lab results.

Emergency Department Specialties

Our emergency medicine team includes highly trained physicians and nurses to treat the full range of life-threatening conditions. Many of our physicians have additional training in critical care, toxicology, pediatric emergency medicine, and sports medicine, to name a few. We also work with UCLA Health specialists to deliver state-of-the-art medical care. Our emergency departments offer specialized care for trauma, stroke and heart attack, and we care for all patients from pediatrics to geriatrics.

The Importance of Follow-Up Care

Remember that it is important to follow up with your Ashe Center Primary Care Provider (PCP) at least 24-48 hours after being seen in an urgent care facility to ensure continuity of care.

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