(JOLIET, IL) September 9, 2025 – Saint Joseph Hospital, a member of Prime Healthcare, announced that its valued patients can now conveniently select an approximate arrival time for non-life-threatening emergency-room visits at the Hospital. Saint Joseph is now the only hospital in the area to offer an automated online ER visit scheduling system. FastTrackCare offers an enhanced emergency room experience, one that many patients will appreciate.
The technology allows patients to select an approximate time to be seen in the ER via the hospital’s main webpage. Patients fill out a brief, secure form; no username or password is required. The tool can notify the patient if there is a change that may extend the wait time, and a notification can even be sent if there has been a reduction in surge to encourage an earlier arrival time. Importantly, FastTrackCare is intended only for non-life or limb-threatening emergencies. For critical symptoms, such as severe injury, chest pain, shortness of breath, or signs of stroke or heart attack, community members are encouraged as always to call 911.
“Our new online ER scheduling tool is an important part of our mission to improve both access to care and the patient experience, one in which folks don’t dread having to go to an ER for a minor but pressing medical issue,” said Eva Balderrama, CEO of Saint Joseph Hospital. “Our hospital is deeply committed to Elgin and our surrounding communities. We’re continually working to expand access and bring the most innovative and needed medical services closer to home.”
The easy-to-use online tool provides added convenience for those with non-life-threatening medical needs. While appointments cannot be explicitly guaranteed due to the unpredictable nature of an emergency department, the tool still allows patients insight into current wait times and improves communication through the system’s notification features.
Some features of FastTrackCare include:
- Enhanced access to same-day care for patients desiring to schedule an appointment online and wait safely at home.
- Capability for ER staff to instant-chat with FastTrack Care patients via the platform.
- Improved awareness for ED teams specific to patients coming in via FastTrack Care appointment.
How FastTrackCare Works:
- Patients complete a brief, secure form in English or Spanish; no username or password is required.
- The patient selects their preferred time slot which will reserve the patient’s place in line.
- A confirmation with details and directions is sent immediately.
- Real-time notifications alert patients if changing conditions affect the expected arrival time.
For more info or to reserve an ER arrival time, visit: FastTrackCare – St. Joseph Hospital – Elgin Emergency
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