Comments on: ER WAIT TIMES REVISITED

By: Trusted.MD Network

Trusted.MD Network — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 20:10:57 +0000

ER waits: The NY Times is half-right…

Their interpretation of the recent ER wait study:…

By: Matt Horn

Matt Horn — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 19:20:59 +0000

Thanks Rich, I figured I wasn’t the first to think of that. Then how about the next step, would it be possible that the triage clinic could weed out primary care patients to the ER period? Just say, “sorry, you’re in the wrong place?”

By: Rich

Rich — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:23:35 +0000

Many ERs already do this - they call it Fast Track or Clinic or something similar.

In my experience, these are just as crowded, and while the people triaged there are removed from the queue for more critical services, it is no less a drain on resources.

By: Matt Horn

Matt Horn — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:13:21 +0000

Interesting rundown, and I believe a number of good points are raised. Perhaps if EMTALA would allow, there could be a clinic portion of the ER, where they people can be brought in and assesed, maybe by NPs and sent to the right channel. If is is for non-emergency or primary care, give them the option of treatment at the clinic or a referral to a PCP. Is this something EMTALA would allow? Sorta like an advanced triage that can be bypassed by paramedics and EMTs.

By: Nurse K

Nurse K — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 10:45:39 +0000

Ouais c’est interessant—

Je voulais dire que les personnes sans l’assurance maladie tranditionnel (alors, les personnes qui recoivent d’allocations) sont les mauviettes. La plupart des autres se rester chez eux.

Sorry, couldn’t resist.

En anglais:

I meant that people without traditional health insurance (people who receive welfare) are the wimps. Most of the others stay home.