CHRISTUS Southeast Texas - LiveWell

"The Minor Care Center is ideal for patients whose primary care physician can't see them immediately. Every patient, no matter their medical needs, receives the highest level of expert, compassionate care they have come to expect from CHRISTUS Hospital – St. Elizabeth." — Donna Stone, RN, Director of the CHRISTUS Minor Care Center – St. Elizabeth & St. Mary Emergency Care in a Flash When life's little emergencies require medical treatment, you shouldn't have to wait. That's why CHRISTUS developed its Fast Track Minor Emergency Care program. With influenza and cold season already underway, keeping your family well is a priority. From severe flu symptoms to bumps and bruises that require immediate medical attention, emergency medical staff comprised of Boardcertified physicians and nurse practitioners assess such conditions within 15 minutes of your arrival in the emergency department (ED). Most patients are on their way home within an hour of the time they walk in the door. Other conditions that fall under the minor emergency classification include: • allergies • sprains and strains • bronchitis • urinary tract infections • earaches • minor burns and broken bones • sore throats • eye injuries and infections Many people who don't have a primary care physician use the ED. Medical providers in the Fast Track program can assist with finding a physician if follow-up appointments and routine screenings are necessary. WHEN IT'S MORE THAN MINOR During assessment at the Fast Track unit, if medical staff finds you have a more serious emergency condition— such as being dehydrated from the flu — you need not worry. Fast Track is supported by a fully equipped and prepared ED where you will be immediately transferred to be stabilized or admitted to our full-service hospital. One of your best resources for understanding your symptoms or finding a provider is just a touch away. Download the iTriage app to your iPhone, iPad or Android phone or tablet by visiting www.itriagehealth.com/mobile. No Time to Wait DID YOU KNOW? According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Americans make 129.8 million visits to emergency departments annually. Only 25% of patients are seen in less than 15 minutes — the standard that the Fast Track program in the CHRISTUS Health Gulf Coast and Southeast Texas divisions strives to meet every day when serving patients. A study in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine found that long wait times can be attributed to the day of the week people seek care — weekdays are actually busier than weekends. When life's medical emergencies, injuries or unexpected illnesses need attention fast, patients will find a comforting resource at any of the five CHRISTUS centers: • CHRISTUS Minor Care Center – St. Elizabeth • CHRISTUS Minor Care Center – St. Mary • CHRISTUS Hospital – St. Elizabeth Emergency Department • CHRISTUS Hospital – St. Mary Emergency Department • CHRISTUS Jasper Memorial Hospital Emergency Department From sprains to colds, sinus infections to stitches, these convenient walk-in centers are equipped with leading-edge technology to provide a wide variety of services including X-rays, lab work, pediatric care and more. Designed to keep wait times minimal, the Fast Track program strives for patients to be seen within 15 minutes of arrival and in and out in less than an hour. LiveWell | November/December 2013 7

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