ApolloMD Announces Release of ER Express 3.0 to Enhance Patients' Experiences Before and After They Visit the Emergency Room

Atlanta, GA, April 03, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Atlanta-based clinical outsourcing group ApolloMD announced the newest release of ER Express, a new platform that allows patients with non-life/disability-threatening illnesses to reserve appointment times for visits to the emergency room. ER Express (www.erexpress.com), first released in October 2011, gives patients with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries a simple, user-friendly web-based tool for reserving a time slot in the ER. Once a reservation is confirmed, the patient waits in the comfort of his or her home, and then arrives at the ER for treatment at the selected appointment time.

The release of version 3.0 features the beta version of ER Aftercare Videos, a new module that allows patients to watch a short web-based video of a board-certified emergency medicine physician explaining basic care instructions. The physician also outlines key symptoms that could mean that the patient needs to see a doctor for follow-up care. Patients can watch these videos as many times as they want and share them with family members, all for free. The clips are available on ER Express’ website (www.erexpress.com/after-care-video) and on its YouTube channel. ER Express’ aftercare videos represent a significant innovation, providing a useful complement to the existing, patient-specific instructions that patients already receive at the ER. According to a peer-reviewed article published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine ("Patient Comprehension of Emergency Department Care and Instructions: Are Patients Aware of When They Don't Understand?"), 78% of ER patients do not fully understand their instructions. This can lead to sub-optimal outcomes and repeat visits.

Sharon Amaya, M.D., medical director at WellStar Paulding hospital, comments, “Patients typically receive instructions as they leave the ER—when they are tired and thinking about going home—so it is not surprising that many times our instructions don’t stick with them. The ability to watch a short clip more than once, and to share it with family members, will not only help engage patients, but improve their compliance and clinical outcome.”

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, ApolloMD is a physician-led and operated national group practice specializing in Emergency Medicine, Anesthesia and Radiology Services. Emphasizing quality, efficiency, communication and patient satisfaction, ApolloMD works collaboratively with over 70 partner facilities to implement best practices and process improvement across the board.