Patient wait times in the emergency room

ALPENA, Mich. — Patients expect short wait times when entering the emergency room. In  Alpena, MidMichigan Medical Center is making that a goal. The estimated wait time from the door to the doctor is 19 to 21 minutes.

Patients are encouraged to come to the emergency room especially for serious illnesses or severe pain. The local urgent care is available for the common cold and short term sickness.

The emergency room physicians work a minimum of 144 hours monthly. Each physician works a scheduled shift but are on call as needed.