Joplin, MO – Freeman Health System is making it easier for patients to prepare for an emergency department visit with the launch of On My Way, a new online feature that goes live Saturday.
Available through the Freeman Health System website and MyFreemanHealth, powered by MyChart, this online tool allows patients to notify an emergency department that they are on their way before arriving. Patients can select the nearest Freeman emergency department, indicate an estimated arrival time and provide basic information about their visit. The tool also helps patients locate the nearest Freeman Urgent Care relative to their location. Patients using On My Way for a Freeman Urgent Care visit can reserve a place in the queue before arriving, helping reduce their wait time once they reach the clinic.
“On My Way is another way we're using technology to improve the patient experience,” said Joseph Sprague, Patient Thruput and Revenue Systems Manager at Freeman Health System. “Whether a patient needs emergency care or a visit to one of our Urgent Care locations, this tool helps streamline the process and save time. For Urgent Care patients, joining the queue before arrival can mean less waiting and a more convenient experience.”
After selecting an emergency department, patients can enter their information, choose a reason for their visit from a drop-down menu and receive directions to the facility. The new feature also gives patients the option to receive text notifications from the triage team when it is their turn to come to the registration desk.
“By allowing patients to share information before they arrive, we can be better prepared to welcome them and begin the care process while maintaining our commitment to providing the right care at the right time,” Sprague said.
Important reminders for patients using On My Way:
•
On My Way does not display emergency department wait times.
•
On My Way does not guarantee a specific treatment time.
•
On My Way does not reserve a spot in a queue for ED’s or Urgent Care locations.
•
All patients are evaluated and treated based on the severity of their condition.
•
Patients experiencing a life-threatening emergency should dial 911 immediately.
On My Way replaces the previous Save My Spot tool and is integrated within Freeman’s Epic electronic health record system, creating a more seamless experience for patients and care teams.
For more information, visit freemanhealth.com or log in to MyChart beginning Saturday morning to access On My Way.