Virtual emergency rooms in traditional ERs: Explained

The thought of needing care from the emergency department creates a lot of different feelings.

Concern.

Fear.

Anxiety.

The typical emergency room (ER) experience may make you think of long wait times and crowded, uncomfortable waiting rooms. We know that going to the emergency room can be nerve-wracking, but OSF HealthCare strives to offer timely, efficient emergency care when you need it.

OSF provides virtual emergency rooms within its emergency department to see certain patients more quickly, reducing wait times. Patients can consult with an experienced emergency care doctor using video conferencing, while a nurse and technician offer in-person support.

“Virtual emergency care supports in-person emergency care by providing new, high-quality ways for patients to get the care they need,” said Brandi Clark, vice president of Digital Care for OSF OnCall. “With advanced digital assessment technology and trusted expertise, we bring personalized attention to every patient, aiding in prompt diagnosis and care.”

OSF OnCall, the digital arm of OSF HealthCare, provides the staffing of experienced, board certified emergency care doctors for this new effort.

Both virtual and traditional emergency rooms offer high-quality medical services, but they differ in their approach.

Similarities

1. High-quality care: Both virtual and traditional emergency care provide access to experienced emergency care doctors who can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions.
2. Initial triage: Both processes start with seeing a triage nurse to determine the severity of a patient’s condition.
3. Access to medical tests and imaging: Both care settings allow for the ordering and interpretation of diagnostic tests such as blood work and imaging.
4. On-site support: In both scenarios, nurses and technicians are available to assist with care and use of medical equipment.
5. Safe, reliable care: Both virtual and traditional emergency rooms follow established safety protocols to ensure patients receive timely and appropriate care, making each a dependable option for emergencies. If a virtual emergency care doctor determines that one of their patients needs in-person care, they will be transferred to the appropriate area of the ER.

Differences

1. Method of doctor interaction: In traditional emergency care, the doctor is physically present, but in virtual emergency rooms, interaction happens via video conferencing.
2. Wait times: Virtual emergency care often leads to shorter wait times since virtual doctors may be able to provide a diagnosis and treatment sooner than an in-person doctor, especially when the emergency department is experiencing high volumes for patients requiring in-person care.
3. Technology used: Virtual emergency care heavily relies on advanced digital assessment tools like high-resolution cameras and digital stethoscopes, which are not typically used in traditional in-person assessments.
4. Patient comfort with technology: While virtual emergency care involves interaction with technology, you are supported by on-site staff to navigate this process. Traditional emergency rooms do not require this interaction.

Virtual emergency care represents a modern approach that uses advanced assessment technology to improve patient experience, while still ensuring thorough medical attention with the support of an on-site care team.

“Improving access to quality care is a core priority for OSF.  Our virtual emergency care program brings the expertise of board-certified emergency physicians to be part of the care team already in place,” said Benjamin Kemp, MD, the lead physician for virtual emergency care. “We will work together to take care of patients with the same high standard of care given by our in-person physicians.”

Adding virtual emergency care into traditional ER settings has several benefits that can enhance the overall experience for patients.

1. Reduced wait times: One of the most significant advantages is a shorter wait time. Virtual emergency visits often move quicker, especially when traditional ERs are backed up with patients needing in-person care.
2. Improved patient experience: By offering care as quickly as possible, hospitals can reduce the stress of lengthy waits in crowded waiting rooms.
3. Making the most of resources: By including virtual emergency care, hospitals can better manage their resources, ensuring that in-person care is available for those who need it most while still providing high-quality care to those with less severe conditions through virtual means.

“We’re excited to be among the first OSF hospitals to offer virtual emergency care,” said Dawn Trompeter, president of OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa and Peru. “This will help us address overcrowding in the waiting room during our busiest times and allow us to ensure patients receive the care they need. Reducing wait time is an important benefit to implementing this service.”

Last Updated: August 28, 2025