MLHS Emergency Department recognized

The Mille Lacs Health System Emergency Department located in Onamia, MN was recently recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review for having some of the lowest wait times nationwide. Mille Lacs Health System tied for 5th place at 58 minutes with the average nationwide wait time being 163 minutes. 

The national average increased by one minute from 162 minutes to 163 minutes over the same 12-month time period.

Becker’s utilizes data that the CDC uses to track the median length of stay for Emergency Department patients as part of its “timely and effective care” measure set. The data covers Emergency Department visits recorded from October 2022 through September 2023.

This data applies to all adults and children treated in hospitals and paid under inpatient or outpatient prospective payment systems.

While we are proud of our award-winning low wait times, we do want to remind you that these are averages and as is expected in emergent situations they are not planned or scheduled.

Patients in the Emergency Department are seen based on the severity of need, not necessarily in the order of arrival. Please consider, that the person sitting next to you may be in worse condition than you, symptoms are not always visible. Patients can also arrive directly from the ambulance bay and bypass the waiting room as well.

Mille Lacs Health System prioritizes seeing patients as soon as possible. We know an ER visit can be a time of anxiety and stress and we appreciate your patience and understanding.

The Mille Lacs Health System Emergency Department is available 24 hours a day, and seven days a week. The right care for you. Right by you.