Elkins, W.Va. — Davis Health System has launched a new mobile tool that will allow patients to tell the Emergency Department (ED) … “I’m on the way.”

Health system officials are using the tool to aid ED staff in preparing for a patient’s arrival and speed up the process for the patient’s care.

By using the tool available at onthewaydhs.com, patients can alert staff at one of DHS’ three emergency departments that they will arrive soon for services.

“It is easy to use, and will help our staff plan for a patient’s arrival,” said DHS Chief Medical Officer Catherine “Mindy” Chua, DO, FAAFP, FMNM, CPE. “We believe it will improve efficiency in the registration and triage processes.”

Dr. Chua cautioned that the app is not appropriate for life-threatening medical conditions. 

Once a patient has completed the self-check-in process online, an alert is sent to ED registration staff with information about arrival time and patient condition or symptoms.  Due to the unpredictable nature of critical emergency care, the tool cannot be used to schedule an ED “appointment” and does not guarantee care at a specific time. 

Once accessed, it will guide users through three simple steps for check-in at Davis Medical Center in Elkins, Broaddus Hospital in Philippi, or Webster County Memorial Hospital in Webster Springs. 

The tool was developed by DHS Information Services Technical Team Supervisor and Security Officer Bill Dempsey with input by DHS emergency department and nursing leadership. 

To learn more, visit www.onthewaydhs.com.