SSM's InQuicker Service Helps Patients Avoid ER Waiting Room

Long waits and emergency rooms are almost synonymous. But SSM Health Care ERs are trying to do away with long waits for emergency care with a new service called InQuicker.

Patients with minor emergencies can wait at home instead of the hospital by registering online.

Five SSM Emergency Departments now provide this service:

• in Lake Saint Louis
• in Richmond Heights
• SSM St. Clare Health Center in Fenton
• SSM DePaul Health Center in Bridgeton

The free InQuicker service has been available at those locations since November, said Kristen Johnson, a media relations specialist for SSM Health Care.

“We rolled it out formally on Dec. 26,” she said.

and SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center are not included at this time.

SSM Health Care's Network Director for Access/Outreach Tina Lybarger said the service is for “people who might have a twisted ankle, back pain or a minor illness."

The InQuicker system is provided by about 112 health care systems nationwide, but Lybarger said SSM Health Care is the only one that has a registered nurse call patients to talk about their symptoms.

“The nurses triage the patients,” Lybarger said. “They make sure the symptoms aren’t serious. They’re able to comfort them. They call back every hour to check and see if their symptoms have changed. They even tell them the name of the nurse who will greet them when they come to the ER, so they can ask for that nurse by name.”

Insurance information and other paperwork is already taken care of. ER staff can keep rooms available, schedule X-rays and make other arrangements.

“So far, we’ve served 135 patients with InQuicker, and we’ve gotten wonderful comments back,” Lybarger said. “It felt more comfortable for the patient, knowing who to ask for when they get there. That nurse already knows their symptoms, their medications and other critical information.”

She said the process is streamlined and convenient for the patient.

“It’s all about customer service,” Lybarger said. “We’re actually able to serve our patients in the waiting room more quickly, because our

To use the service, take the following steps:

1. Go to www.ssmhealth.com/er
2. Choose your nearest SSM hospital
3. Select a projected treatment time
4. Fill out a form
5. Go to the hospital at the appointed time

“While this service is not meant to eliminate waiting times, it will give people a more convenient option when needing treatment,” said Sean Hogan, president of SSM Ambulatory Services, according to a news release.

“I am confident this service will enhance the patients’ experience with our ERs and will give patients a reason to choose us when they need emergency care,” Hogan said.