Back to Covenant Health Home
Get Care
Schedule Appointment
Pay a Bill
Careers
Contact Us
Giving
Log in to My Covenant Health
Have you ever had to wait in a hospital emergency department and didn’t know how long the wait would be? Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, a member of Covenant Health, now offers an “ER Call-Ahead” service that allows patients to secure their place in line before coming to the hospital’s emergency department. To reserve your spot in line, call ahead at 865-835-5301.
ED wait times vary depending on the urgency of patients’ medical needs so that those with the most serious or life-threatening conditions can receive prompt care. Covenant Health hospitals make every effort to see emergency patients quickly and to make wait times as comfortable as possible, and many patients continue to receive care even if they are waiting for a room.
When to Use “ER Call-Ahead”
“We understand it’s tough to wait when you’re not feeling well,” says Bethany Crabtree, MSN, RN, emergency department manager at Methodist. “Calling ahead right before coming to the hospital helps us prepare for your arrival. While there is no guaranteed length of wait time, it does save your spot in line.”
The ER Call-Ahead service at Methodist Medical Center is designed primarily for those who are experiencing abdominal pain, broken bones, cough, ear pain, fever below 101 degrees, flu symptoms, a minor injury such as sprained ankle, vomiting or diarrhea, or a sore throat.
“This new service is not intended to replace a call to 911,” reminds Crabtree.
When to Call 911
If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms such as chest pain, bleeding that will not stop, difficulty breathing, fainting or head injury, seizure, serious burn, severe allergic reaction, spinal injury, stroke, numbness, or facial drooping, call 911 or go to the closest emergency room immediately.
For minor, non-life-threatening conditions, you are always encouraged to seek urgent care, walk-in clinics, or a primary care physician before coming to the emergency room. But if a trip to the ER arises, give us a call at 865-835-5301 and we’ll be waiting for you.
Covenant Health
Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Covenant Health is a community-owned, healthcare enterprise committed to providing the right care at the right time and place. Covenant Health is the area’s largest employer and has more than 11,000 compassionate caregivers, expert clinicians, and dedicated employees and volunteers.