Have you ever had to wait in an emergency room and didn’t know how long the wait would be? Methodist Medical Center, a member of Covenant Health, now offers an “ER Call-Ahead” service that allows patients to secure their place in line before coming to the hospital’s Emergency Department.
Emergency department wait times vary depending on the urgency of patients’ medical needs so that those with the most serious or life-threatening conditions can receive prompt care. Covenant Health hospitals make every effort to see emergency patients quickly and to make wait times as comfortable as possible, and many patients continue to receive care even if they are waiting for a room.
Bethany Crabtree MSN, RN
“We understand it’s tough to wait when you’re not feeling well,” says Bethany Crabtree, MSN, RN, emergency department manager with Methodist. “Calling ahead right before coming to the hospital helps us prepare for your arrival, and while there is no guaranteed length of wait time, it does save your spot in line.”
The ER Call-Ahead service at Methodist Medical Center is designed primarily for those who are experiencing abdominal pain, broken bones, cough, ear pain, fever below 101, flu symptoms, minor injury such as sprained ankle, vomiting or diarrhea, or a sore throat.
“This new service is not intended to replace a call to 911,” said Crabtree.
If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms such as chest pain, bleeding that will not stop, difficulty breathing, fainting or head injury, seizure, serious burn, severe allergic reaction, spinal injury, stroke, numbness or facial drooping you should call 911 or go to the closest emergency room immediately.
For minor, non-life-threatening conditions, you are always encouraged to seek urgent care, walk-in clinics or a primary care physician before coming to the emergency room. But, if a trip to the ER arises, give us a call and we’ll be waiting on you. To reserve your spot in line, call ahead at 865-835-5301.
Ashok Polu M.D. gets Baker award
Neurohospitalist Ashok Polu M.D. has received the A.B. Baker Teacher Recognition Award from the American Academy of Neurology (AAN). This award celebrates Dr. Polu’s dedication to neurologic teaching, recognizing the impact of his contributions on shaping the future of neurology.
Dr. Polu is a double board-certified physician in neurology and vascular neurology with a specialized focus on acute stroke and expertise in neuro-ultrasonography. With a dedication to advancing the field, Dr. Polu also holds the position of director of Neuro-Ultrasonography at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, Knoxville, Tennessee, spearheading innovative approaches to neuroimaging.
