Sick? Hospital Promises Timely Alternatives to ER

One glance in the mirror and Hinsdale resident Ann Szudarek knew she could no longer put off making a doctor's appointment.  She hadn't been feeling well for several days, and now a startling new symptom had emerged: Her face and neck were beginning to swell.

Szudarek was angry and panicked when her doctor's office announced she could not get an appointment for six weeks.  Szudarek was told she was being treated as a new patient, because she had not been in to see her physician for several months.

"I was incensed," said Szudarek. "I couldn't believe my doctor's office was going to put off seeing me for six weeks".

Fortunately Szudarek, who works as a nurse at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital, had spotted a brochure for Same Day Health Services, a new program that allows sick patients to make same or next day doctor's appointments.

"I was seen immediately," she said. "I called the service at 8:30 in the morning, and by 11:15, I was at the doctor's office in Clarendon Hills".

Same Day Health Services is the brainchild of Pam Williams, CEO of Adventist Health Partners.

"We were looking to build a better mousetrap and help patients avoid unnecessary visits to urgent care facilities and the emergency room," Williams said.

The idea, according to Williams, is to better accommodate patients who have odd work hours or acute medical conditions that require a doctor's exam, but not a costly trip to the ER. Williams said it is particularly helpful for parents with sick children who often need prompt medical attention. Once a patient is in the program, their records are kept systemwide, so any participating physician in any office can access their chart.

The program, sponsored by Adventist Midwest Health and Adventist Health Partners, was launched in January of this year to employees, and then, to the general public this summer.

"The response to Same Day Health Services has been great," said Williams. "We've had unsolicited e-mails from patients who have been so grateful to be able to see doctors on such short notice".

To date, 19 primary care physician practices and 57 primary care physicians in the western suburbs have signed on with the service, including offices in Clarendon Hills and Hinsdale. All of the participating doctors are board certified and are staff members of Adventist Health Partners.

For patient Ann Szudarek, finding this service provided more than immediate medical relief.  She liked her new doctors so much that she decided to switch practices.

For more information on Same Day Health Services and where to find a participating doctor's office in your area, click here.