Emergency room (ER) wait times can be long for Memphis residents. Long ER wait times can delay critical care, reduce patient satisfaction, and increase the risk of complications.
⬇️ Scroll down to compare hospitals by average ER wait times. Verify the expected ER wait time with your healthcare provider.
💡 Consider advice for protecting yourself from germs and preparing for long wait times.
ER wait time is defined as the time between (a) the admit decision time; and (b) the time of departure from the emergency room for ER patients admitted to inpatient status.
ER wait times are estimated based upon available data from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Memphis Hospitals by Wait Times
Below are four hospitals in Memphis, Tennessee by ranking of emergency room wait times:
- 🥇 Regional One Health has the shortest average ER wait time at 4.9 hours in Memphis
- 🥈 Methodist Hospitals of Memphis, with an average wait time of 3.9 hours, ranks second for the shortest ER wait time in Memphis
- 🥉 Baptist Memorial Hospital, with an average wait time of 3.6 hours, ranks third for the shortest ER wait time in Memphis
- Saint Francis Hospital, with an average wait time of 2.7 hours, ranks fourth for the shortest ER wait time in Memphis
Understand ER Wait Times
When you step into an emergency room in Memphis, your wait time is defined as the interval from your arrival until you are seen and treated. Memphis hospitals such as Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, Baptist Memorial Health Care, and the Regional Medical Center at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center use a triage system to prioritize patients based on the urgency of their condition.
For example, if you present with severe chest pain, stroke symptoms, or major trauma, you will be attended to immediately. However, if your condition is less critical—say a minor laceration or moderate fever—you may face a longer wait. The overall wait time is influenced by several factors, including the time of day, seasonal fluctuations (such as during the winter flu season), and the volume of patients seeking care simultaneously.
Many of Memphis’s larger hospitals now offer digital check-in services or mobile apps that provide real-time wait time estimates. Although these tools can be useful, remember that they generally indicate only the initial waiting period until you see a provider, not the total time you might spend in the ER. Being aware of these nuances allows you to set realistic expectations and, if your condition permits, decide whether to seek care immediately or wait for a less busy period.
Recent News
In January 2023, Action News 5 reported on emergency room overcrowding in Memphis. Their coverage highlighted that patients often face extended wait times—sometimes stretching into hours—due to high patient volumes and staffing shortages.
A Local Memphis article from November 2022 focused on urgent care clinics. It noted that while these clinics typically see patients within about 20 minutes, the emergency rooms still experience significantly longer waits during peak periods.
Additionally, a Washington Times investigation from May 2014 revealed that at a Memphis Veterans Affairs facility, many patients experienced average wait times exceeding nine hours—with 27 percent waiting over six hours before receiving care.
Cost of Emergency Care
The cost of emergency care in Memphis is a significant consideration for many residents. When you visit an ER, you are typically charged a base facility fee, along with additional charges for diagnostic tests, laboratory work, imaging studies, and specialist consultations. A non-life-threatening ER visit in Memphis might start in the low thousands of dollars before extra services are added, while more complex cases can result in substantially higher bills.
Major hospital systems in Memphis, such as Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and Baptist Memorial Health Care, offer online cost-estimation tools to help you anticipate your out-of-pocket expenses. These estimates take into account negotiated rates between the hospital and your insurance provider, as well as factors like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. However, the final cost can vary depending on the treatments you receive and the complexity of your condition.
For patients with high-deductible plans or those who are uninsured, the financial burden can be even more daunting. Ambulance services—which are often billed separately—can further increase the total cost of your emergency visit. Fortunately, federal regulations such as the No Surprises Act, along with Tennessee and California-inspired consumer protections (since Memphis is near the border with Tennessee and often influenced by regional policies), help limit your financial liability for out-of-network emergency services.
Before heading to the ER, review your insurance policy and utilize any online tools provided by Memphis hospital systems to estimate costs. Additionally, inquire about financial assistance programs or payment plans offered by local facilities. These measures can help mitigate the financial stress associated with emergency care and ensure that you are better prepared for potential expenses.
Memphis Network of Providers
Memphis boasts a diverse and comprehensive network of emergency care providers that cater to a wide range of medical needs. Among the most prominent is Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, which operates several hospitals—including Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and Methodist University Hospital—that are well-regarded for their trauma and emergency services. These facilities are known for handling high-acuity cases such as severe trauma, cardiovascular emergencies, and critical surgical cases.
Baptist Memorial Health Care is another key player in Memphis’s emergency care landscape. With multiple locations throughout the city, Baptist Memorial provides accessible emergency services and has a strong focus on community-based care. Their facilities are particularly known for efficient triage and shorter wait times for non-critical cases.
The Regional Medical Center at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) also serves as a vital resource in Memphis. This institution is known for its academic approach to medicine and advanced diagnostic capabilities, often serving as a referral center for complex cases.
For pediatric emergencies, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital stands out as a specialized institution dedicated to providing top-notch care for young patients. Its reputation for excellence in pediatric trauma care makes it a critical component of Memphis’s healthcare network.
In addition to these major systems, smaller community hospitals and urgent care centers provide essential services throughout the metropolitan area. Facilities in neighborhoods across Memphis offer alternatives for less severe conditions, often with shorter wait times and lower costs. By familiarizing yourself with the local network and verifying which hospitals are in-network with your insurance, you can make more informed decisions about where to seek care when emergencies arise.
Protect Yourself & Loved Ones
In busy urban centers like Memphis, emergency departments can become crowded, particularly during peak times or during public health emergencies. Crowded ERs not only extend wait times but can also increase your risk of exposure to contagious diseases. Taking proactive steps to protect yourself in these environments is essential.
Wearing a face mask is one of the simplest yet most effective measures to reduce the risk of inhaling airborne pathogens, especially during flu season or when there are outbreaks of respiratory illnesses. Additionally, maintaining excellent hand hygiene is critical; regularly wash your hands with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
Be mindful of your personal belongings. Items such as your smartphone, wallet, and keys can become contaminated in crowded spaces. Consider carrying disinfecting wipes to clean these items upon arrival at the hospital. Many Memphis hospitals, including those at Methodist Le Bonheur and Baptist Memorial, have instituted enhanced cleaning protocols and designated separate waiting areas for patients with symptoms of contagious diseases. Familiarize yourself with these protocols upon arrival and don’t hesitate to ask staff for assistance if you feel unwell while waiting.
Prepare for Long Wait Times
Due to the high patient volumes and the busy nature of urban emergency departments, extended wait times can sometimes occur in Memphis. Being prepared for these delays can help alleviate stress and make your experience more manageable.
Begin by organizing all necessary documentation before your visit. This includes your photo ID, insurance cards, a current list of medications, and any relevant medical records. Having these items readily available can streamline the registration process, reducing delays at the front desk.
In addition to paperwork, consider packing a small bag with items to enhance your comfort. A neck pillow, a light blanket, and a portable charger for your devices are practical choices that can help make a long wait more tolerable. Since food options inside the hospital may be limited or not to your liking, bring along non-perishable snacks and a refillable water bottle.
Many Memphis hospitals now offer digital check-in services and real-time wait time updates via mobile apps. These features allow you to monitor the current conditions and decide whether to seek care immediately or, if your condition permits, wait until the ER is less busy. Mental preparation is also important—acknowledge that wait times may sometimes be longer than expected, and employ stress-relief techniques such as deep breathing, listening to calming music, or even reading a book to help manage anxiety during the wait.
If possible, having a family member or friend accompany you can provide additional emotional support and practical help during your visit. Being well-prepared both physically and mentally will ensure that you remain as comfortable as possible, even during extended wait times.
Plan Ahead for Peak Times
Planning your visit to the emergency room can significantly impact wait times, particularly if the medical issue is not urgent.
Mondays tend to be the busiest day of the week in hospital emergency rooms. The accumulation of non-emergency cases over the weekend often result in a surge of patient volume on the first work day of the week. If your condition allows for flexibility in seeking care, consider the day of the week for your visit. Avoid Mondays and weekends.
Demand seasonality may also affect wait times in emergency rooms, particularly among younger patients. Young children, aged 0 to 5, see a rise in emergency visits during autumn, with a notable decline in the summer months. Children, aged 5 to 19, experience a peak in spring and a similar decrease in the summer.
The time of day is unlikely to significantly reduce wait times, as hospitals align staff availability with patient volumes. During standard business hours, from morning to early evening, full staffing is in place. However, higher patient volumes during these times can create bottlenecks. Even with more medical personnel, increased demand can still lead to longer waits as emergency rooms handle the influx of patients.
Consider Other Care Options
Not every health issue requires the comprehensive resources of a full-scale emergency room. For non-life-threatening conditions, Memphis offers several alternative care options that can provide prompt and cost-effective treatment. Urgent care centers are an increasingly popular choice for minor injuries and common illnesses. Facilities such as those operated by Baptist Memorial and Methodist Le Bonheur offer shorter wait times and lower costs compared to traditional ERs, making them an attractive option when your condition is not critical.
Community health centers and walk-in clinics also provide a valuable alternative for routine medical issues, such as colds, minor lacerations, or follow-up care. These centers are often strategically located throughout the Memphis metropolitan area, providing accessible care for residents in various neighborhoods.
Moreover, the rapid expansion of telemedicine in Memphis has further enhanced your options. Many providers now offer virtual consultations for non-urgent issues, allowing you to receive medical advice and even prescription refills from the comfort of your home. This can be especially beneficial if you wish to avoid crowded ERs or if your symptoms are mild.
Before opting for an alternative care option, verify that the facility is in-network with your insurance plan. In-network care typically results in lower out-of-pocket expenses and fewer billing surprises. By comparing cost estimates and available services, you can choose the most appropriate setting for your particular needs, ensuring that you receive timely and effective care without the extended wait times of an emergency department.
Regulatory Protections
Patients in Memphis benefit from a robust set of federal and state regulations designed to ensure that you receive emergency care regardless of your financial circumstances. The cornerstone of these protections is the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). This federal law requires every hospital receiving Medicare funds to provide a medical screening exam and stabilize any emergency condition, irrespective of your ability to pay.
In addition to EMTALA, federal measures like the No Surprises Act—which went into effect in 2022—protect you from being balance billed for out-of-network emergency services. Under these provisions, if you receive care from an out-of-network provider at an in-network facility, you are only responsible for your in-network cost-sharing amounts, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
Memphis hospitals also adhere to Tennessee state regulations that further safeguard patient rights. Tennessee law mandates transparent billing practices and prohibits hospitals from denying emergency treatment based on insurance status or inability to pay. Many Memphis facilities publish their standard charges online, providing you with a clearer picture of what to expect before receiving care.
If you believe you have been overcharged or encounter a surprise bill, you have the right to file a complaint with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance or contact the No Surprises Help Desk at 1-800-985-3059. Understanding these regulatory protections empowers you to challenge billing errors and seek relief if your rights are violated.
Advocate for Positive Change
Advocacy is a powerful tool for ensuring that Memphis’s emergency care system meets the needs of its residents. Your feedback, combined with active community engagement, can drive improvements in service quality, reduce wait times, and make care more affordable for everyone.
One of the most effective ways to advocate for change is to provide direct feedback to the hospitals where you receive care. Major healthcare providers in Memphis, such as Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, Baptist Memorial Health Care, and Regional Medical Center at UTHSC, often have patient advisory councils and conduct regular satisfaction surveys. Sharing your experiences—whether they highlight successes or point out areas needing improvement—can help hospital administrators make informed decisions about how to improve patient care.
Engaging with local elected officials is another important strategy. Contact your state representatives, county supervisors, or city council members to express concerns about issues such as extended ER wait times, rising healthcare costs, and staffing shortages. Public pressure from patients can lead to increased funding and more effective policies to support emergency care services in Memphis. Participating in community forums, town hall meetings, or writing opinion pieces in local newspapers can amplify your voice.
Supporting local consumer advocacy groups is also vital. Organizations such as the Tennessee Hospital Association and other patient rights groups work to promote transparency and protect patients from unfair billing practices. By joining these groups or attending their events, you can become part of a broader movement to advocate for systemic change.
If you encounter billing issues or feel that you have been unfairly charged, do not hesitate to take action. Request an itemized bill, compare it with your insurer’s explanation of benefits, and file a complaint with the relevant regulatory body if necessary. Utilizing online tools such as price comparison databases can help you verify that you are being charged fairly. These steps not only protect your individual financial interests but also contribute to a collective effort to enhance accountability and transparency in Memphis’s healthcare system.