Madison hospital posts ER wait times online

A Madison hospital has begun posting the wait times for its emergency room, according to a release.

Meriter spokeswoman Leah Huibregtse said the hospital’s goal is to increase transparency and help patients make more informed decisions about their health care. ER wait times are  automatically updated every 15 minutes Meriter.com. As part of the initiative’s kickoff, wait times are also posted on a digital billboard near the Beltline and Rimrock Road.

Meriter said its average wait time last year was 9 minutes.

Patients also spent significantly less time in the Meriter ER in all measured categories when compared to city, state and national averages, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid.

Many factors can affect wait times, including the arrival of patients with trauma, life-threatening injuries or illness or those arriving by ambulance.

The Meriter Hospital ER, at 202 S. Park St., is open 24/7 and includes a special area dedicated to emergency care for children.