Portsmouth Regional Hospital Introduces Electronic Check-In Process in the Emergency Room

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Patients who visit Portsmouth Regional Hospital’s Emergency Room can now use an electronic check-in process designed to expedite and improve their care and provide them with a better ER experience.

Portsmouth Regional Hospital’s process is similar to that used in airports and retail outlets. Patients first scan their driver’s license or type in basic identification information at the check-in station in the ER. They are then guided through a series of questions, offered in both English and Spanish, that captures the reason for the visit, symptom severity, and other key information. This action helps the ER staff establish the order in which patients are seen, with serious or life-threatening conditions always given priority.

Electronic check-in also retrieves available information on a patient’s medication history and previous hospital visits. This step gives hospital staff accurate information that expedites the diagnosis and treatment process.

“Electronic check-in is another example of how technology is changing and improving the way care is provided to patients across all settings,” said Dr. Thomas Scott, Vice President of Affiliated Physician Services for HCA of New Hampshire. “This technology creates a way for information to flow quickly and accurately from patients to caregivers, which is exactly what needs to happen in the ER.”