Illinois ER Wait Times Are Among the Worst in America

Going to the emergency room is never a pleasant experience. You're there because of, well, an emergency, and you need to see someone right away.

However, there are many other people who need medical assistance as well, and sometimes you have to wait. Sometimes the wait can be excruciating also.

READ MORE: Illinois Hospital Closures Are Becoming a Serious Problem

Why Emergency Room Visits Are So Frustrating

Compared with the rest of the United States, Illinois emergency room wait times appear to be among the worst in the US.

Illinois Emergency Room Wait Times Rank Among the Worst

However, none are as long and awful as those in Maryland, which, according to World Population Review, are considered the worst in the nation, with an insane 228 minutes. I'm no mathematician, but I can tell you that's about four hours of wait time.

Maryland Has the Longest ER Wait Times in America

Here are the ten worst in America:

1. Maryland 228 minutes
2. Delaware 195 minutes
3. Massachusetts 189 minutes
4. Rhode Island 185 minutes
5. New York 184 minutes
6. Arizona 176 minutes
7. New Jersey 173 minutes
8. Connecticut 166 Minutes
9. California 164 minutes
10. Illinois 157 minutes

Illinois shared the dubious distinction with North Carolina, Oregon, and Pennsylvania.

READ MORE: Illinois Hospitals Are Struggling With a Major Staffing Shortage

What Causes Long Emergency Room Wait Times?

The study doesn't identify a single specific reason; however, the most common causes of long wait times in emergency departments are limited beds and rooms, overcrowding, and insufficient staffing to manage the volume.

Have you ever had to visit the emergency room in Rockford? How long was your wait time?