The process required to reach, with reasonable clinical confidence, the point at which it can be determined whether a medical emergency does or does not exist. It is an ongoing process and must reflect continued monitoring according to the patient's needs and must continue until he/she is stabilized or appropriately transferred. The exam will include information about the chief complaint, the patient's vital signs, mental status assessment, general appearance, and a focused physical exam related to the patient's complaint. Note: Triage is not the equivalent of a medical screening examination. The medical screening exam must be the same that UTMB would perform on any individual coming to the ER with those signs and symptoms regardless of the individual's ability to pay for medical care.