As ED Wait Times Grow Dangerously Long, Ensure You’re Ready for New Patients

Staffing shortages, provider burnout, and the general public’s full return to postpandemic normalcy are conspiring to create long waits in hospital emergency rooms—so long, in fact, that hospital administrators and local government officials are pleading with patients to visit urgent care and other walk-in or virtual healthcare providers when prudent. Statistically, patients heading to EDs in Maryland have it worst, as they’ll wait an average of 228 minutes to be seen as reported by The Baltimore Banner, citing data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The piece goes on to quote advice given to patients by the University of Maryland Medical System and the Maryland Hospital Association, explaining when urgent care is a better option than the ED. Similarly, the Wake County, NC government has taken to social and local media to encourage patients to steer clear of the ED except for life-threatening emergencies. Given that challenges abound in every practice setting, this may be a good time to assess your ability to welcome new and greater numbers of patients. Read Smoothing Ebb-and-Flow for Greater Staff Efficiency and Shorter Wait Times in Urgent Care in the JUCM archive for tips on ensuring visits go as smoothly and efficiently as possible.