“The iTriage application is designed to help consumers make the most appropriate decision about their healthcare needs,” said Charla Ducote, Rapides Regional Medical Center’s vice president of marketing and business development. “And it’s information available to them when they can’t be in front of their computer. It’s information available on-the-go.” Consumers can download the free iTriage app for their iPhone, iPod touch, Android or Palm, or access the medical application at www.iTriageHealth.com. BlackBerry smartphone users will soon have their own iTriage application, as well.
But that’s not all. If you’re considering a visit to the emergency room, but want to know how long the wait will be, we’ll send you a free text telling you just that. Just text the “ER” to 23000. You’ll then receive a message asking for your zip code. Once you respond, you will receive a message listing Rapides Regional Medical Center’s average ER wait time. Locally, this service covers zip codes in Allen, Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Evangeline, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, St. Landry, Vernon and Winn parishes.
“The national wait time average is one hour,” said David Williams, Rapides Regional Medical Center chief executive officer. “In most cases, we consistently rank below that. This morning, for example, our average wait time is 16 minutes.” Average wait times are based on a four-hour average wait time for patients with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Patients with life-threatening symptoms are always seen immediately. “This technology allows patients will non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses to better