Waiting times in Emergency Departments are a major source of frustration for many of us. If I'm sick, why does it take so long to be seen? The answer to that question is complex.

• Major emergencies like heart attacks or trauma may require all of the ED staff to focus on a single patient.
• Lab and X-ray tests time to perform and be reported.
• Ambulances may not be available for transfers because they are already out on a run
• Specialty hospitals are often full and do not have a bed immediately available to accept a transfer.
• But the most common cause of long waiting times is the overcrowding of Emergency Departments by people who do not have a serious illness but want the convenience of walk in service. This has become a major problem for our society today. It is one of the many reasons the cost of health care is skyrocketing and explains about 80% of long waiting times.

Core Physician Resources works closely with the hospitals we serve to constantly monitor and improve the services you receive. You can participate in that by giving the hospital honest feedback about your experience. If you have further questions, we suggest that you ask to speak to a hospital administrator.