University Hospitals ER's online service lets patients wait in line at home

Patients can now make an appointment online for eight University Hospitals emergency rooms and wait their turn in the comfort of their home. The service started a few weeks ago and is for people with non-life-threatening conditions, said Richard Hanson, president of UH community hospitals and ambulatory network. Those with life-threatening emergencies should call 911 or immediately head to a hospital. Patients waiting at home will get email and automated phone status updates from the InQuicker online system in case of delays, Hanson said, and generally the wait should be only about 15 minutes once they arrive at the emergency room.