Thursday, September 13, 2007

Self service ER?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20761116/wid/11915773?GT1=10412

An ER in Texas has set up self serve kiosks for check in. I don't know about Texas, but in NH a medically trained professional has to be the first person to see you on arrival in the ER. Patients in this article feel that the kiosks are a little 'impersonal'. I can see now the people who will choose a complaint that is a bit more serious than their back or dental pain so they can move ahead in the que. What are we coming to?

3 comments:

Student Doctor said...

I'm a first year med student living in Dallas (where Parkland, the hospital in the linked article, is located). Before I started med school, I spent some time volunteering in the ER there. At the worst times, people literally sit and wait to be ADMITTED to the ER for 18 hours. Then you get to wait to see the doctor. So I'm not surprised that they are trying to streamline a bit.

Too bad our president (who said that everyone has medical care, they can just go to the ER) doesn't go to Parkland for his healthcare. Somehow I think that more rich, powerful white guys being forced to put up with 18 hour waits would be a good catalyst for change....

D.P. said...

You posted on another blog that canned pineapple helped relieve your son's migraine symptoms--do you know if it will help prevent migraines as well?

Mudme said...

DP, I sent you a reply to your question and some info to your email address...if you don't get it let me know. Take care!