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It's Like An ER Reservation, Only...

...better. The average emergency room waiting time is now estimated to be 3.2 hours. From Springwise, here's a service that secures you a place in line, before you get there.
"...Atlanta-based InQuickER announced the launch of a new service that allows patients with non life-threatening conditions to reduce their waiting time by calling ahead or signing in online.

"After preregistering for the service, patients inform their hospital about their injury or illness in order to reserve the first available time slot. In 75 percent of cases, InQuickER users will be seen immediately upon arrival, but if a patient is not seen by a doctor within 15 minutes, InQuickER and the hospital won't charge for the ER visit, diagnostic services, professional fees or supplies. The 'hold-your-place-in-line' service is currently available at three hospitals.

Of course you're doing what you can to reduce that ridiculous 3.2 hour wait. Failing that, maybe InQuickER is your best option. The more risk-adverse among us might want to trial the program at an remote urgent care center just to avoid blowing the Mother Ship's mind.

I once suggested that we post current ER waiting times on-line. The physician push-back was "We can't do that! We'll just create expectations!"

"Well, yes!" I answered. "Expectations are exactly what we SHOULD be creating! Glad you finally figured out the method to my madness!"

More provocative health care ideas from Springwise:

The Rise of the Spa-spital.

On-line physical therapy with Physiobench.

And, preventing hospital-acquired infections with PatientPak.



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