Report: Wait and travel times for patients aren't improving; cost U.S. $89B annually

Over the last decade, travel and wait times for getting healthcare services have been the longest compared to obtaining other professional services like legal, vehicle repair or government services. And despite the work and effort that's been put into making healthcare more efficient, there's been almost no change in that time in how long patients have to devote to getting these services, according to a new report from the Altarum Institute. Rhyan analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ American Time Use Survey from 2006 thru 2017 and found that, on average, the time spent traveling and waiting for healthcare services on a day when an individual got care was about 45 minutes, including an average travel time of 34 minutes and wait time of 11 minutes. That is more than 50% of the time spent actually receiving care. In comparison, obtaining veterinary services takes about 35 minutes including about 30 minutes of travel time, and getting legal services takes about 31 minutes including about 27 minutes of travel time. "This is an important part of the quality of the healthcare system that deserves greater attention, in particular, because of the fact that … we really haven't seen any demonstrable improvement in travel and wait times," Rhyan said. "That's despite the fact that healthcare is increasingly technical and IT focused and, in theory, individuals with better coverage should have better access to care."

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Keystone Healthcare Partners Establishes Partnership with Trinity Medical to Expand Emergency Medicine Footprint into Louisiana

Keystone Healthcare Partners | February 05, 2024

Keystone Healthcare Partners a leading provider of emergency medicine, hospital medicine, critical care medicine, and telehealth staffing and management services, as well as revenue cycle management, recently announced that it has formed a partnership with Trinity Medical in Ferriday, Louisiana. Keystone's delivery of emergency medicine services at Trinity Medical will commence on February 1, 2024. This contract represents an exciting expansion of Keystone's regional influence into Louisiana; the company has managed contracts in Mississippi for decades. Glenn Adams, Keystone's CEO & Co-founder, notes, "We are excited to kick off another partnership with a client where we see opportunity for real impact. We've hit the ground running to shore up areas of frustration for the client and bring value-add and innovative solutions, such as Keystone Connect AI technology to the emergency medicine program." While the healthcare landscape has been challenging for rural and critical access hospitals, the two entities share a patient-centered ethos that will be paramount to the partnership. The two entities share a community- and patient-focus that is embodied by Trinity's motto, "People you know, caring for people you love." "We are very excited to start our partnership with Keystone Healthcare," states Keisha Smith, CEO of Trinity. "My goal for Trinity Medical has always been to provide our patients with the best healthcare and customer service possible in the Miss-Lou area. We feel that Keystone shares the same goals that we have and will be a true asset to our hospital. Henry Ford stated, 'Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.' We are looking forward to a long lasting, successful partnership with Keystone Healthcare." Trinity Medical, a 23-bed licensed facility, continues to grow and upgrade their services and facilities in addition to recruiting physicians to meet the growing needs of their expanding community. About Keystone Healthcare Keystone Healthcare™ is a leading provider of Emergency Medicine, Hospital Medicine, Critical Care Medicine and Telehealth clinical management services and staffing solutions for hospitals. We efficiently deliver high-quality, patient-centered care through strong physician leadership and involved management that drive our innovative and integrated business model. About Trinity Medical Trinity Medical is operated by Concordia Parish Hospital Service District No. 1. Trinity Medical, formerly Riverland Medical Center, opened in 1964 as Concordia Parish Hospital and has continuously served the residents of the area for more than 55 years. In addition to emergency and acute care, Trinity Medical offers surgical services, diagnostic imaging, infusion center, cardio-respiratory care, gastroenterology, lab services, otolaryngology, urology, and an in-hospital rehabilitation service as well as an extensive range of out-patient services, both diagnostic and for treatment.

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