Are ER wait times too long?

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Posted: 7:01 PM Jun 10, 2008
Last Updated: 10:23 PM Jun 10, 2008
Reporter: Alana Greenfogel
Email Address: Alana.Greenfogel@WNDU.com

80 comments

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You could call it “salt in an open wound.”

The last thing you want when you go to the emergency room is to wait. But wait until you hear how long you can expect to be there.

Press Ganey Associates, South Bend, conducted a national survey on emergency rooms. The study shows, on average, patents wait four hours and five minutes from the time they walk in the door to the time they leave.

Indiana ranks 17th. The average wait here is three hours and 37 minutes.

Michigan is ranked 32nd. Patents there wait, on average, four hours and eight minutes.

"It's unscheduled medical care,” explains Dr. Mark Kricheff, Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center. “We don't make appointments. Which means the sickest people that come in need to be taken care of first, even if you've been there longer."

"I totally understand that. I understand that. There is life threatening injuries that have to be taken care of first," Latrina King says as she sits in the waiting room at SJRMC.

However, Latrina, like most Americans, want to be informed on what’s going on and how long their wait will be.

"That lets you know you're not being ignored. They are really here for you," Latrina says.

According to Press Ganey’s findings, patents who were in and out in less than an hour, but, who were poorly informed on the progress, were only about 43% satisfied.

Patients who waited four hours or more, but were kept in the loop and pleased with the communication, were almost 97% satisfied.

"The thing that frustrates patients most, is when they're waiting, they want to know what they're waiting for," Dr. Kricheff explains.

At SJRMC, the ER added more nurses and shortened the number of questions asked to patents when they first arrive to speed up the process.

"It's really about the flow,” says Wojtek Staniszewski from SJRMC’s ER. “How soon the patient can get to the room. How the soon the physician can see the patient. And how quickly we can get the patient out of here."

Memorial Hospital is planning on building a free standing emergency room in Mishawaka to help absorb the demand.

More people are using the emergency room than in years past, and that’s clearly adding to the wait time. Press Ganey and ER personnel say many patients go to the emergency room for aliments and problems they should be taking to their primary care doctor or another facility.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Marsh Location: South Bend on Mar 31, 2009 at 03:13 PM
I went into medpoint at 1815 Ireland Road South Bend for a Rx refill for a skinrash. I clearly stated I'm here for a Rx refill, I was told "okay", "no problem". I filled out the form. My reason for visit on the form; "prescription refill". I paid $114.00 from my unemployment card first. A nurse came into the examination room and asked me my reason for this visit. Once again' "prescription refill" She took my blood pressure' I asked how it was, She didn't know. From my standpoint it got higher. Then the DR came in asked why I was here. "prescription refill". I'm sorry" "we don't do prescription refills". I had to begg her for some topical ointment for my rash and unemployed whith no insurance.on my way out the door she asked what I did for a living, 'I'm a Technician" She said? "that figures". $140.00 dollars latter I ended up with a tube of cream the size of my thumb.

Posted by: Mitch Location: NC on Jun 21, 2008 at 04:12 AM
I work in the ED and the sheer number of people who come in for stupid reasons is unbelievable. Hangnails, coughs, papercuts, runny noses, sore throats, the list goes on, I've seen it all. These patients clog up the ER while true emergent patients (broken bones, kidey stoness, etc) are kept waiting. It's sickening, really. Also, people who have never worked in the ED shouldn't try and pretend to know all about it. There are simply times when too many people show up for the ED to handle. There is nothing that can be done about this except to take the worst patients back first. I've had a father cuss me up one side and down the other because a possible heart attack patient went back immediately after coming in, and his son had been waiting for (gasp!) an hour to be seen for a low-grade fever! Unbelievable.

Posted by: HCW 2 Location: South Bend on Jun 19, 2008 at 09:27 AM
Who are you kidding healthcare worker?? There is no difference in race when it comes to bills. I work in trauma and see irresponsible acts all the time regardless of race. Also, illegals often dont pay bills due to not having the resources to do it especially now that they have become too injured and dont have many family/friends here. That also means we have to find placement for them and if ther is nothing then we have gone as far as paying for their apartment because its cheaper than paying daily hospital stay. So dont try to say this or that race is better at paying bills bills because its simply not true. People...stop bashing each other. Be better than the other person. Ok? The world will not change for the better unless it starts with you and now.

Posted by: healthcare worker Location: sb on Jun 18, 2008 at 02:39 PM
For everyone complaining about illegals, I've worked in the healthcare industry ofr years and at least you can depend on other people from other countries to actually pay their bills no matter how long it takes them. More than I can say for the AMERICANS who are seen and you never see a dime!

Posted by: RN Location: South Bend on Jun 18, 2008 at 12:25 PM
No it does not matter what a nurse gets paid, but it does get under my skin when people such as Tony think we do it for the money when in all reality we do not get highly paid. We are in it for the people. Obviously we are not in it for the pay if you know anything about nursing. Oh, and did I mention the politics suck?! The patients are what keep us there.

Posted by: Todd Location: South Bend on Jun 18, 2008 at 11:40 AM
It does not matter what a nurse gets paid. They work hard, are highly educated, and go through constant in-service to keep up their skills. It's a shame some factory workers make more then they do.

Posted by: RN Location: South Bend on Jun 18, 2008 at 07:26 AM
Wait! I'm a nurse at a hospital, but I am not making $35.00 an hour. I would like to see where this is at! I think people need to do their research before they think they really know how much a nurse is being paid. There are some positions that will pay close to that but then that means you work strictly weekends and nights, or you are a travel RN. The average nurse does not make that rate in the hospital!

Posted by: Research on Jun 17, 2008 at 10:59 PM
I wonder how many people actually read the report: http://www.pressganey.com/galleries/default-file/2008_ED_Pulse_Report.pdf The surveys clearly tell hospitals more than the obvious. I don't think the government would mandate surveying for hospitals if there was not insightful information to gain. As an employee of a local hospital, many of you may not realize that houndreds of thousands of dollars are tied to participation (Medicare and medicaid reimbursements). There is so much more to gain than just knowing that hospitals need to improve wait times. Initiating a LEAN policy and triage flow are just small steps. Health care staff need to learn customer service. I never remember taking customer service 101 in medical school, I learned how to treat patients from retail. Be thankful that companies like Press and Ganey exist to share this information!

Posted by: Todd Location: South Bend on Jun 17, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Brad, I would say you were most likely a floor care person or worked in house keeping. I do not know a medical person out there that would bash a nurse. I used to be an EMT and spent a very good amount of time around ER's. They work hard. As far as taxes, yes, I do know what I am talking about. Non-profit tax law is MUCH different. Even regular businesses cannot write off losses years later as you say. There is very much a statue of limitations. Yes, they can subtract it at the end of a year, but a loss is a loss. The money is not there to operate with.

Posted by: Islander Location: South Bend on Jun 17, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Brad, if you have ever in fact seen a nurse or doctor withold or delay care to a person out of spite than you may have a leg to stand on. Oh, and Brad my friend, I am a firefighter/paramedic for SBFD and I know a little about working in unison and I am also at the hospitals ten plus times a day. I see it with my own eyes. I multi-task ever single day at work. I look forward to the day I meet you so I can show you my inability to do more than one thing at a time.

Posted by: Louise Location: Granger on Jun 17, 2008 at 08:01 AM
Most and I must say most people in the ER rooms are those on Medicaid who have a hard time getting into certain doctors, or they do not have the money to go to a regular doctor. They take the children when they have a slight fever or earache, instead of making doctor appointment. I know of someone who was in the ER for hemorrhoids. They system has been abused by those who depend on the taxpayer to pay for their medical.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 16, 2008 at 02:44 PM
A couple of mos ago I went to a med-pt for severe abd & back pain. I waited for 2.5 hrs to see the Dr. When I did see the Dr he thought I was having a appendicitis & told me I had to go to the ER. He called the Er & told them my name, situtation. I went to the ER told them my name & I was coming from medpt. They told me to take a seat. I waited 3 hrs to be taken to triage and told again to take a seat. I kept seeing Ppl taken back who didn't look like they were in pain or having any Emergency. I was than taken to ex rm waited 1hr before I saw the Dr. Dr came in saw me that I was in severe pain started IV pain meds & had CT-scan w/labs was diagnosed w/kidney stones. Dr apologized for the wait & said that I should have not waited so long to be brought back felt very sorry for me. I was admitted for 24hr eval. Than Discharge w/pain meds & told to come back if pain came back. I think a better system needs to be in placed for ppl who need to be seen first.( Better Triage ).

Posted by: Maria Location: South Bend on Jun 16, 2008 at 10:30 AM
With all the negativity on this topic, I want to take the opportunity to thank the ER staff at SJRMC for the outstanding treatment I received when needing the ER a few years back. I shattered my left tibia and fibula in an equestrian accident, and was brought by ambulance to the ER. I was wheeled in on a gurney and sent right back to a room where a tech was in within just a few minutes. Within an hour, I was x-rayed, diagnosed as needing surgery, and admitted. I was treated very well, and with professional mannerism. Thank you to all the staff that made my visit a bit less traumatic.

Posted by: ROB Location: ARKANSAS on Jun 15, 2008 at 08:09 PM
As for Tim....when he finds himself in the ER...will he call the nurses "flunkies?" He must be a disgruntled floor nurse that couldn't keep up!

Posted by: Tony Location: SB on Jun 15, 2008 at 09:33 AM
No, you do it because your making $35.oo an hour. You must stabilize or treat any immediate threat. Oh and McDonald's and WalMart employees don't hear gripes and complaints everyday on much less pay. Talk about boastful!!

Posted by: Local ED Doctor on Jun 14, 2008 at 10:07 PM
Thank you to all of my wonderful ED nurses. For the comments about being "flunkies", we chase off most nurses because of the stress, the high pace, the weekends, the nights, the holidays, not to mention the constant complaining about lack of blankets, noise, temperature... The quality of ED nurses and ICU nurses can not be appreciated by most unless you work in the field, their jobs are demanding and offer little reward. The occassional thank you goes a long way. For the other people who commented on it being the "law" to care for all people. The only "law" is that a medical screening exam be done, this is translated in many ways but it entails simply obtaining vital signs and evaluating for a condition that may be life threatening. I am under no obligation nor are the nurses to treat a cough, a toothache...but we do it anyway because that is why we work in the ED (it is not a room it is a department with multiple rooms). Thanks again to my ED nurses!! Teamwork is king.

Posted by: Brad Location: Niles on Jun 14, 2008 at 03:06 PM
Islander AGAIN re-read my comment’s (**ALL**) and then re-read Todd’s comment’s before commenting. The amount of rooms available is not relevant when staff neglect to do their job, i.e. forgetting to order labs, intentionally making certain people wait because of personal conflicts (deliberate indifference) to name a few, things that I have witnessed with my own two eye’s. No you and people like you cannot work on 1 person, object or task at the same time due to your lack of intelligence. Many jobs require coordination and cooperation in order to be effective i.e. TACO BELL, POLICE and FIREFIGHTERS. Not all nurses, doctors or hospital staff in general are incompetent. When legitimate clogging occurs it is understandable. This is not a defense for idiots that overwhelm the Emergency Room for frivolous reasons. I implied earlier (HAD YOU READ) that nurses and doctors WERE UNDERSTAFFED.

Posted by: american tax payer on Jun 14, 2008 at 10:47 AM
it is cheeper to go to the er... when you go to your doc he just sends you to the hospital for test anyway.... cheeper and faster to just go to the er... cant beat them join them!!!!!! just wait until some of us white people get some fake id's then we will not have to pay for anything!!! the twenty dollor co pay will be spent on a new id so we can go back to the er... guess we can all learn something from the mexican's!!!!!

Posted by: Mary Location: South Bend on Jun 13, 2008 at 11:50 PM
Too many people use the ER for doctor's office's They use the ER for toothaches and everything else. Last time I was in the waiting room for the er there was a person who had been waiting for a small amout of time. All of the sudden within less than 1/2 hour apart there was 3 patients 1 brought in by ambulance 1 by police and 1 drive by where all 3 patients were not breathing the 1 drop off the patients lips were blue. The person waiting for a small amount of time complained so loud everybody in the room could hear them. They were complaining because the 3 patients not breathing were put in front of them. The person waiting said they had to be at a party in a half an hour and if they were no seen by a doctor by then they were leaving going to the party and will be back later. Now someone please tell me what was that patients big emergency that they could not wait and go to a doctor's office? It is stupid people like this that slow down the emergency rooms

Posted by: ER RN Location: South Ben on Jun 13, 2008 at 09:58 PM
We as nurses, don't have a clue, nor do we care what kind of insurance you have. I know everyone believes that has a bearing on it, but from a nurses point of view, we don't care and it doesn't affect how you are treated OR your wait time. As far as "only flunkies working in the ER." WOW!!!! I am REALLY offended!!! Tim, I hope you remember that comment if you ever come in with something that is truely an emergency and we flunkie nurses have to save your butt! Please, ask anyone who works in a hospital if they have ever worked ER, if not, their opinion doesn't count. Tim, please, feel free to come to work with me for a day. I'd love to have ya!

Posted by: Mary RN-ER Location: NJ on Jun 13, 2008 at 09:22 PM
Shortening the process of information gathering will not make service in the ER quicker as suggested by the article. The person who had a bellyache for 3 weeks come in because TODAY was the day they wanted an answer. The guy with a splinter in his toe CAN'T buy tweezers, but needs a doctor. Stomach virus family doesn't have a grandma at home to provide common sense-rest, eat toast, have tea and wait for 24 hours to get better. WE HAVE OUR ER CLOGGED UP BY PEOPLE WITH LITTLE OR NO COMMON SENSE. Obviously those in need, pain, or emergent BUT NOT URGENT then have to wait for the inappropriate patients. I have never seen a lazy ER nurse or doctor. We can't be-there isn't time. As far as nursing, ER nurses have to know alot, think on their feet, work without the doctors and often are the reason people survive their time in the ER. Don't blame the saviors, blame the healthcare systems. Everyone should have decent healthcare. This country does not treat everyone equally.

Posted by: Zoey Location: SB on Jun 13, 2008 at 07:12 PM
From the dictionary, Emergency; sudden crisis requiring action:an unexpected and sudden event that must be dealt with urgently. Emergency medicine;medical specialty dealing with immediate treatment:the branch of medicine dealing with the treatment of patients whose condition requires immediate action. and finally Emergency room; hospital area for urgent treatment: a part of a hospital for patients who need immediate urgent attention, e.g. for heart attacks or traffic accidents. So if your not at risk for losing your life or a body part, see your doctor.

Posted by: lucy Location: south bend on Jun 13, 2008 at 05:18 PM
Tim- you can't flunk out of nursing school and be an RN in the ER. I do believe you have to have a bachelor's to be an ER nurse-I could be wrong though. Or are you talking about candystripers? They clean the bed pans, you don't need a degree for that.

Posted by: T on Jun 13, 2008 at 03:47 PM
Depends on your insurance. period

Posted by: Tim Location: SB on Jun 13, 2008 at 03:38 PM
It's because only flunkies end up nurses in the ER. Ask anyone who works at a hospital.

Posted by: Islander Location: South Bend on Jun 13, 2008 at 02:51 PM
Brad, you missed Todd's point about available rooms. You cannot have two nurses treating one patient. There is too much room for error such as giving too much medication or the wrong one. While a true expert like yourself doesn't realize that the hospital does have to maintain a budget, one cannot staff one person per room. Which leads to your outlandish claim of ER staff "piddling around"....a nurse can have all of their charts done and info up to date and everything done but if you are waiting for a bed in another part of the hospital to get ready for someone to be admitted, or lab work, x-rays,and a doctor's evaluation, etc...there is not much else that can be done other than assisting another ER nurse with basic services. The ability of the hospital ER for patient turn-around is related to how effective the rest of the in-hospital services work and the number rooms the ER contains.

Posted by: j.k Location: sb on Jun 13, 2008 at 01:43 PM
ER RN: The wait times are to long and if you upset about ppls attuidue them see them quicker than 4 hrs and bet you the attuide won't be there. FYI its a bigger problem than ER wait times our Helthcare is failing so many ppl.

Posted by: Jeff Location: Granger on Jun 13, 2008 at 10:38 AM
In the past few years I have been to the Elkhart General ER and the wait both times were reasonable 30 minutes or so.

Posted by: Brad Location: Niles on Jun 13, 2008 at 09:45 AM
TODD, I worked for a hospital, I know how much wait times are affected by staff piddling around. Adding a few Nurses, Doctors and the like (NOT 100 - REALITY CHECK) would greatly increase the hospitals ability and reduce wait times. You should do more research on tax law; BEING NON PROFIT has no relevance here, as not all are. The hospital does not lose the money for services rendered because it subtracts that amount at the end of the year BECAUSE IT IS A LOSS and can be done years later, if the full amount was never collected. Common sense is required!

Posted by: ER RN Location: South Bend on Jun 12, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Wow!! All of these comments blow me away! First, the major problem is that yes, people abuse the system. They need to use the ER for EMERGENCIES only! Also what YOU consider an acute problem might not be regarded the same from a medically trained professional. We all work overtime, every week, are constantly getting screamed at by patients and work out butts off EVERYDAY!! I think it would really open some eyes if every person had to spend a full 12 hour shift on busy day (which most are) in the ER. Working in the ER is emotionally, physically, and mentally draining, but we LOVE it and do it because we want to help people and make a difference in their lives. Shortening your wait time is something that we are always concerned with and trying to find a new solution to. If people with medicaid had even a $5 co-pay, that would stop them from coming in when it is not necessary. This is an extremely frustrating topic for us. Please realize, we want to make you better and be happy!

Posted by: Islander Location: South Bend on Jun 12, 2008 at 09:25 PM
A lot of people in this town also believe that if you call 911 and go by ambulance you will be seen quicker. Also, if you do call 911, people have figured out the magic words to dispatchers that get you a fire truck and an ambulance lights and sirens. They are "sudden onset", "difficulty breathing", "unable to walk." My other favorite line is "I don't have a ride." And people wine about waiting....try being the medic (like myself) or the nurses that have to field the complaints and attitudes.

Posted by: Todd Location: South Bend on Jun 12, 2008 at 01:52 PM
Brad...what are you talking about? You can staff a ER with 100 nurses and doctors, but if you do not have the room to put all the patients, it is totally pointless. Labs and ect take time. You are often waiting on other services in the hospital such as labs and x-ray to service you, not always the doctor. And writing off the bills at the end of the year is the lamest thing I have heard on here. Sure, they can right them off, but the are non-profit, there is not tax benefit of that in a hospital and they are still with out the money. Debt write off is only a solution for people who don't pay their bills..they company still does not have that money. People just need to quit using them as a doctors office. I was there two weeks ago and had wonderful service and they were packed out. Yes, I had to wait a few hours for a Cardiac room upstairs, but was well taken care of.

Posted by: Mary, RN-ER Location: NJ on Jun 12, 2008 at 11:43 AM
If you can't see your doctor for an illness because he's overbooked-what makes you think you can walk right into the ER? Emergencies take precedence even to those violently vomiting, with diarrhea, or in pain. If you can't breathe, are stroking out, or experiencing cp you will get right in, if not-YOU WILL WAIT! I am tired of PG. Administration is catering to McDonald's mentality-that's not how the human body works, or how illness manifests itself. We are all individuals, not cookie cutter copies;therefore treatment can not be identical like a fast food restaurant meal. How can PG quantify treatment, or results when patients have no clue as to what medical care entails, yet are commenting with impunity on the quality. Perhaps we need to go back to volunteering as MANDATORY FOR HS STUDENTS-IN THE ER! Then maybe that generation will have realistic expectations of medical care. Also for you xenophobes-get a grip-most US citizens are a couple of paychecks away from disaster!

Posted by: To Brad Location: south bend on Jun 12, 2008 at 10:56 AM
What are you talking about? I'm not criticizing Stephanie, I was simply trying to figure out if she was talking about medicaid-Jack! The topic is about ER wait times, I know that but some people on here were talking about medicare people crowding the ER when in fact it's the people on Medicaid. Some don't know the difference-thought I'd help some people out. *PURE STUPIDITY*--real cute! Sincerely, LUCY..:)

Posted by: Brad Location: Niles on Jun 12, 2008 at 09:26 AM
Hey LUCY you got the point, did you or did you not? Funny how people like only like to criticize the comments of others and stray from the issue. Was stephanie wrong? Yes. Was that the topic? NO!!! *PURE STUPIDITY*

Posted by: Casey Location: Indiana on Jun 12, 2008 at 08:11 AM
Whatever happened to people being accountable for themselves anyway. Tylenol, aspirin, and cold remedies are sold on the drug store shelf and cheap if you buy the store brand. Stay home and take care of yourself, don't need to spread cold/flu symptoms to anyone else, especially the ER staff.

Posted by: Casey Location: Indiana on Jun 12, 2008 at 01:14 AM
There are alot more small county hospitals in the state of IN than larger city hospitals/trauma centers. Don't you think this throws the numbers off balance? I do. I find it very difficult to believe the Nat'l ave. is 4hrs. ERs do close to ambulances due to over crowding They divert the ambulance to another ER, then eventually that one will close temporarily until the first can open to ambulances again. Go to Dallas, Detroit Receving Hospital(guards carry guns there), or downtown Chicago...wait times here don't seem so bad.

Posted by: to melissa on Jun 11, 2008 at 08:30 PM
i am glad you are not going to go to SJRMC ED again. The fact that you waited 6 hours tells me that you went there for something that was BS anyway.

Posted by: Brad Location: Niles on Jun 11, 2008 at 07:49 PM
It is all about creative reporting. What the report does not show is the staffing, or should I say the lack of. I agree, too many people go to the Emergency Room frivolous reasons but this could be accommodated with proper staffing and appropriate triaging. Bills left behind by people that do not pay can be written off taxes at the end of the year, so the hospitals do not really lose money like implied.

Posted by: Melissa Location: Osceola on Jun 11, 2008 at 07:05 PM
We had taken our daughter to SJRMC and waited approximately 6 hours, IT WAS RIDICULIUS(however you spell it)... I WILL NEVER GO THERE AGAIN!

Posted by: to j.k. Location: sbi on Jun 11, 2008 at 06:58 PM
it wasnt the wait time that failed her, it was the doctors who did not diagnose properly

Posted by: Margaret Location: South Bend on Jun 11, 2008 at 06:27 PM
I cannot believe that people go to the emergency room for a toothache and other things that are not of a serious or life threatening nature. The emergency room is for EMERGENCIES. We have never had to wait at Memorial in the ER for more than maybe an hour. My husband thought he was having a heart attack and he was whisked in quickly. My son had a broken wrist, a broken foot, gave himself a concussion with the front door, slid down into some ice at school and cut his face and got hit in the eye at a little league game. (All of these did not happen at the same time-spread out over several years. My father-in-law was taken to Memorial's ER recently and was seen and out in a matter of 3 hours and he is not a resident of the area and has military insurance. I have nothing to complain about the service we receive in the ER at Memorial.

Posted by: J.K Location: South Bend on Jun 11, 2008 at 04:40 PM
I know of a 27 yr old mother of two who went to the SJRMC waited for 5 hrs befor leaving had to go back because she got worse and a week later she died because of a hart attach. Some syptoms that may seem like a cold might be worse. ER failed the young lady and her family with there horriable wait time.

Posted by: lucy Location: south bend on Jun 11, 2008 at 04:40 PM
It's amazing that so many people don't know the difference between medicare and medicaid--BIG difference.

Posted by: lucy Location: south bend on Jun 11, 2008 at 04:36 PM
Stephanie-perhaps you're talking about medicaid? Medicare are for the older and retired people. Sounds to me like you're talking about medicaid?

Posted by: SB area medic on Jun 11, 2008 at 04:33 PM
The main reason the ER waits are long is due to abuse of the system. People come into an ER for stupid and minor and sometimes chronic issues. Hello-the ER means Emergency. It does not mean you should go there for rectal pain that you have had for 3 weeks, or a chronic illness that has not gotten any worse. There are idiots who go to an ER for a toothache, or flu like symptoms, ect...Here is a thought, if it is not an emregency how about going to a family docotor? Oh, that's right then the dead beats in SB would have to pay. Which of course means that we (tax payers) have to pay. HOWEVER, if you do go to an ER and it is deemed an emergency or an acute situation by a RN then you go straight back to the ED and are attended too. But, if you people want to use an ED for BS then you will wait.

Posted by: Bill Location: S.B. on Jun 11, 2008 at 04:12 PM
The emergency rooms would not be as busy if some people would not wait until they know that there Doctors office is closed than calling the office and answering service calling him and Doctor telling them to go to emergency room.Its not the Doctors fault but people whos insurance will pay better on emergency room treatment than on office call.Also treating drunks also take the time and services of er. personnel.

Posted by: Stephanie Location: Edwardsburg on Jun 11, 2008 at 03:55 PM
The wait time in the local ERs (especially Elkhart) are increased because of all of the people with Medicare and without health insurance. An urgent care center can refuse treatment to someone who cannot pay but an ER can't. I'm not sure why more Medicare recipients don't go to the urgent care centers-does Medicare cover that? Then, there's the people that are using a friend or relatives insurance or Medicare to cover their visit! It's happening more and more frequently. Close the borders...stop benefits for illegals...save our country...

Posted by: Chester Location: Syracuse on Jun 11, 2008 at 02:29 PM
Sounds like we are all at a boiling point...May God help us all, our Great Country is being taken over...

Posted by: stacy Location: southbend on Jun 11, 2008 at 02:29 PM
i sat at sjrmc for about 3 hours and they kept taking people back beofre me and what really made me mad was they take this lady in wheelchair that hurt her ankle before me and i was there first with a high fever . so tell me they take the sickiest people back first. Or when they tell u i will be back out to get u in 2 minutes and its like 30 minutes later....

Posted by: carrie Location: Sb on Jun 11, 2008 at 01:39 PM
Last time I had to go to the emergency room I was suffering from a miscarriage. I was already scheduled for a D&C but I started bleeding horribly. When I got to the emergency room I was bleeding so bad I was bleeding through my clothes and I had to sit and wait in chairs. My husband went up and brought it to their attention that I was bleeding everywhere and after a few more minutes I was taken back. I should have never have had to sit and wait not only was it bad for me and my husband but for the other people that were there too. Last time my husband had to go we waited 8 hours in the waiting room and then when we got back there it was another hour before the doctor even saw us for the first time. The doctor even commented on how long we had been waiting and told us that we had come in before he even came in and he was getting ready to leave. I know that they are busy but when patients spend more time waiting than the doctor does working thats a problem!

Posted by: Chris Location: SB on Jun 11, 2008 at 01:21 PM
Geeze, I don't know what all the fuss is about. When I go to the ER I usually get seen right away. Of course, maybe the staff doesn't want my blood all over the waiting room or my obviously broken ankle upsetting those nice people with sniffles... 2 visits in 10 years; total wait, 6 minutes. :)

Posted by: South Bend Resident Location: South Bend on Jun 11, 2008 at 12:44 PM
I work at Press Ganey and before I worked there, I never thought they took the surveys seriously, but I have learned differently. They really use the surveys and that's how they find out where the problems are at and what needs improvement. So everyone, fill out your surveys. Every comment is really recorded and read! Then about people using the ER for non-emergencys. People on Medicare, Medicaid, ect don't normally have family doctors. That's why they have to go there instead. Also people that rarely get sick have family doctors, like my aunt, and they just go there when they need to. They have insurance, just no family doctor. Sometimes people do go their for stupid reasons, but most do go and really need to be there. Waiting 3-4 hours isn't bad compared to California. I had a friend just in a ER there and lives there and they said the normal wait time there is 18 hours!

Posted by: Dan Location: Elkhart on Jun 11, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Maybe if people actually went to the ER when they had a REAL emergency or maybe didn't call for an ambulance when it was unnecessary the wait time wouldn't be so stinking long. People that manage their health in the ER instead of a regular doctor's office are about 75% of the problem here.

Posted by: lucy Location: south bend on Jun 11, 2008 at 12:12 PM
First of all the emergency room is for emergencies like life threatening, not for people with a little cough. It seems that the wait problem is because people won't go to redi-med places for sickness or minor stuff. I feel that the emergency room is being abused, especially by those on welfare. I know people aren't going to like to hear that, but it's true. They receive free health care and if they get sick they just get up and go to the emergency room. People, please, if you're just sick or something minor please make an appoitment or walk into a redi-med place and leave the ER for people that really need it!

Posted by: Mark on Jun 11, 2008 at 12:12 PM
Hey, 'To Sandy' i bet you're an undocumented worker, aren't you? I agree with Sandy, partly. We tend to give away too much to people who don't want to participate in growing and strengthening our society and ignore it when they step over the line, abuse our kindness, or call us out for being tired of supporting them. Stepping off topic, what ever happened with the illegal cock fighting in the west end parade? Nothing. And several people indicated that they had video evidence of the crime. The emergency room should have the option of scheduling a regular doctor appointment for noncritical situations and leave the emergency room for emergencies.

Posted by: health care worker Location: Ind. on Jun 11, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Most doctors in ER's are allowed to see only 4 to 5 patients per hour. Then it's not first come first served, they have to be triaged. Then any patients that come in by ambulance are seen first. Most patients come in at night when there are less staff. So with all that said, DO NOT use an ER for an ear ache or sore throat. You will wait, not only the doctors, but your lab work as well. Plain and simple, if you have to use an ER, plan to wait , and let them do their job!!

Posted by: TO SANDY on Jun 11, 2008 at 10:25 AM
WHAT DOES ANY OF THIS HAVE TO DO WITH "ILLIGALS", WAS THE SURVEY DONE ON THE TYPE OF PEOPLE WHO WERE AT THE ER? JUST KEEP YOUR COMMENTS TO YOURSELF. THANKS

Please do not post in all caps. Thank you. -WNDU.com

Posted by: Jeff Location: South Bend on Jun 11, 2008 at 09:50 AM
Don't pay any attention to Sandy, she is a racist who believes many things that just are not true. I visit family in Phoenix regularly and it's not as bad as she makes it sound.

Posted by: Nancy Location: Elkhart on Jun 11, 2008 at 09:49 AM
Unfortunately the Er is no longer being used for emergencies - toothaches, colds,things that have been going on for a month or more - all non-emergent stuff - show up in the ER and are obnoxious to the staff and the true emergencies cannot be seen immediately because of them. Why are they accepting these cases? They have to, it is the law. Too bad people don't use their common sense and go to their family doctor. Medicaid recipient's are assigned a family doctor, then wait until after office hours so they go to the ER and tie up the rooms and then get beligerent with the staff when they aren't first. It is pathetic the way they take advantage of the system, and they DO know how to work it, even if they don't speak English.

Posted by: Kathy is Wrong on Jun 11, 2008 at 09:45 AM
Kathy, the first rule to business it that you need to know where to spend your money. The surveys help find the problems so that they know where to spend the money, thus using their capital more effectivly. They can spend tons of money on technology, doctors, nurses, etc... but if there isn't a problem to solve, they just wasted more money...

Posted by: Alan Location: Elkhart on Jun 11, 2008 at 09:42 AM
My last couple of experiences at the EGH ER was an eye opener to say the least. I saw nothing but Medicaid/welfare cards everywhere. There was also no way that many of those people with Medicaid cards were even citizens of the USA. Other than the complete raping of the honest hard working American taxpayer via welfare fraud... I thought the staff at the EGH ER were doing a great job. I was in and out in under three hours after an exam, x-rays, a brace, and follow up care instructions that included calling and seeing my regular doctor. I was very pleased.

Posted by: ms Location: sb on Jun 11, 2008 at 09:00 AM
ER can only triage by info given to them. What if there were two parts to the ER - one hafl would be the regular ER and the other half would be a clinic. Those with just ordinary ailments would be herded to the clinic and leave the ER for those truly in need of it. Keep the clinic open 24/7 like the ER. If they can find the ER they can find the clinic.

Posted by: To Sandy Location: south bend on Jun 11, 2008 at 08:35 AM
If you don't have any good comments to write just don't write anything. You are just an ignorant. I feel sorry for you.

Posted by: Nick on Jun 11, 2008 at 08:26 AM
The reason why these leaches of society don't go to medpoint or a doctors office because they can refuse treatment where a ER can not by law.

Posted by: E.R. Tech Location: SW Mich on Jun 11, 2008 at 08:07 AM
You think you got it bad waiting? Try being on the other end of all the insults and abuse that we get. We are here to help you. If there was a magic wand I could wave to make you number one I would. People abuse the system because medi-care pays for the visit and won't a Dr visit. Please don't blame us, we try our best to get you through as soon as we can, but we are only human too. If we rush too fast and overlook something then we get blamed for not finding it. Then the lawsuits start, and I wouldn't go back there. I was there for 3 hrs and they didn't even catch that I had it.

Posted by: Kathy Location: South Bend on Jun 11, 2008 at 07:54 AM
Hospitals pay thousands of dollars each year for surveys to tell them the obvious. Wouldn't those resources be better utilized to increase staff and technology to improve patient care?

Posted by: andy Location: sb on Jun 11, 2008 at 07:44 AM
It's funny how good communication will keep most people from becoming irate or angry in so many different situations in life.

Posted by: Michele G Location: South Bend on Jun 11, 2008 at 07:32 AM
As a registered open heart recovery nurse I understand peoples' frustration with the wait times. but please understand this is not a fast food restaraunt. Cardiac arrest and very sick people take presedence over all. There are alot of people who come to the ER with symptoms who could just as easily go to a med point or urgent care facility unfortunatley some of these are only covered by certain insurance and are open only to certain hours. If a person has a sick child its better to call your family physician and try to get in ask to speak to his nurse if they are booked maybe they can fit you in or even you can be seen by another Dr at the same facility. I understand pt satisfaction and communication is key, no one wants to sit in the ER for hours but unfortunately daignostic tests take time and also monitoring a pt for change entails keeping someone longer. But pt's do have the right to be kept in the loop don't be afraid to ask your nurse whats going on. Be your own advocate.

Posted by: rick Location: granger on Jun 11, 2008 at 07:03 AM
If people on Medicaid would stop using the ER as their personal doctor for everything including a cold the times would be a lot shorter.

Posted by: Lisa Location: South Bend on Jun 11, 2008 at 06:49 AM
Yes they are. It is ridiculous that when you need medical attention you have to wait 2 hours to be seen by a doctor especialy when you are a cancer patient.

Posted by: betty on Jun 11, 2008 at 12:18 AM
oh my gosh its like you guys are following me around or something this weekend i cut up myu tongue pretty bad it was blooding and i thought mabye the hopsital would have maybe a tongue bandaid or something because i got those stretchy kind and they work good on fingers but it keep sliding off my tongue and tastes really bad and maybe theres something tocxic if you swallow it so i wwejnt to hospital and spent 3 hours there they tried to ask questions but i just could grunt and point so thats what i did and they made me wait a long time and finally i saw a nurse with a mustash and she said they got no tongue bandaid so go home and i did and ate ice cream all day and now i feel better but still why did i wait three hours for a no it seemed like a waste of hospital to do that when they could of just said right away we got no tongue bandaids go home

Posted by: LCB on Jun 10, 2008 at 11:59 PM
America already has free health care: but it's just for illegals at the ER, and it's not free, taxpayers foot the bill.

Posted by: Diane Location: South Bend on Jun 10, 2008 at 11:31 PM
I think they should force people without true emergency medical need to go to an urgent care center, or to a doctor's office. The one time I was at Memorial emergency for my husband, was after 18 hours of excruciating pain with gallstones, which at the time he didn't know he had. Had we been kept waiting for some woman who's kid had an earache, I would've gone off! Some people are too consumed by "who they are", and feel that people owe them something because of history, and want to abuse their rights they now have and be inconsiderate of others, and greedy. I'm sick and tired of it all.

Posted by: Todd Location: South Bend on Jun 10, 2008 at 11:12 PM
People need to quit using these as doctors offices. I have seen many people bring their child with the sniffles in. Not what the ER is designed for. Go to Med Point or get a family doctor. I understand that a lot of those people cannot afford doctors and go to the ER because they can lie about payment up front and stiff them.

Posted by: YOUR AVERAGE CUSTOMER. Location: ELKHART on Jun 10, 2008 at 10:25 PM
I WAITED AT EGH SEVERAL HOURS MANY TIMES, ONCE AFTER BEING TAKEN TO A ROOM , I AGAIN WAITED, THEN FINALLY LEFT AFTER 2 HOURS OF NOONE COMING INTO MY ROOM, I EVEN HAD A CARDIAC MONITOR ON, NOONE EVER CALLED MY HOME TO CHECK ON ME. YOU CAN BET I STILL GOT A BILL. NOW I GO TO GGH , SAD BECAUSE I WORK AT EGH. !!!

Posted by: Oh My.. Location: South Bend on Jun 10, 2008 at 08:51 PM
Stay at home mom...you think that is bad I went to SJRMC 2 weeks ago for my pregnancy was there for 9.5 hours only see the doctor 2 times. 1st to ask me what was wrong ordered HcG Level and an Ultra Sound (the nurse inserted a cather then some helper guy came to get me to take me to the Ultra Sound area. He put my bed rails up and caught the cather in the rail (OMG...that hurt) all what he said to me was "you should have enough play...that couldn't of hurt. Oh then the nurse had a fit because I wanted my husband to go to the Ultra Sound with me because I was scared. The nurse was yelling down the hall at him in front of everyone..all what he did was walk out of the room when they were pushing me to the Ultra Sound area (talk about embarassing) ...Then 2nd to tell me I have an ectopic pregnancy (6th one) and needed to call another doctor to find out what to do. The nurse came back in 4.5 hours later to give me a shot of methatroxate to try and stop my pregnancy then I was able to go.

Posted by: Sandy Location: AZ on Jun 10, 2008 at 08:15 PM
If we would seal up the borders, there would be a lot fewer illegals to clog up our ERs. Then maybe the sick or injured AMERICAN people could get decent medical care. I live in a state that is overrun with illegals and they just keep coming in. The poor Border Patrol agents are not allowed to stop them or do anything to them and then the government just keep giving them more and more free assistance.

Posted by: Heather Location: SB on Jun 10, 2008 at 08:07 PM
This problem could be taken care of if people got a primary care provider. The ER is for emergencies, not a cold or ingrown toe nail.

Posted by: in the know Location: south bend on Jun 10, 2008 at 07:44 PM
biggest problem is that the people are using the er as their family doctor and coming to the er for everything but an emergency. coming to the er for a tooth ache is not an emergency. go to your dentist. they only want drugs.coming in for a sore toe or sore finger is also not an emergency. go to your doctor ar to a med point. problem here is that they will have to pay and by going to the er. they rack up a large bill with no intention of paying.homeless drunks arrive by ambo and then become a big p.i a demanding something to eat etc. most often they sleep for 6-7 hours and sober up then walk out only to return later in the day drunk again. most often arriving by sbfd ambo and again demanding and being rude to employees. people need to rethink the meaning of an emergency room or don't complain about waiting 6-8 hours for treatment

Posted by: stay at home mom Location: south bend on Jun 10, 2008 at 05:56 PM
I sure hope this is a true time for a wait at Memorial. I went to the ER when I was pregnant with my first child 9 years ago for dehyration and was there for OVER 7 hours. Most of that was spent wiating in an exam room. All they did was take a vial of blood and after 4 1/2 hours they said I needed an IV.