Gundersen Trauma and Emergency Services achieves record-breaking year in 2024

Gundersen Trauma and Emergency Services achieves record-breaking year in 2024

Health system serves more patients while emphasizing appropriate options for care

Gundersen Trauma and Emergency Services served a record-breaking 189,000 patients in 2024, a figure that underscores the Level II trauma and emergency center's integral role in caring for the communities it serves. Gundersen officials say the figure reflects the health system's ability to serve a large volume of patients while also providing an important opportunity to discuss other avenues of care for less urgent illnesses and injuries.

"As a Level II trauma and emergency center, we are equipped to provide comprehensive care for the most critical cases, ensuring our community receives the highest standard of medical attention," said Heather Schimmers, president of the Gundersen Region of Emplify Health. "At the same time, it's important to share 'right care, right time' messaging that informs the public about their many options for in-person and virtual care when things are less critical."

Gundersen Trauma and Emergency Services' 189,000 patients served in 2024 well outpaces prior years and reflects a steady pattern of growth, surpassing the patient volume of many academic medical centers in major U.S. cities. Here are the year-by-year numbers:

• 2024: 189,000 patients
• 2023: 182,000 patients
• 2022: 165,000 patients
• 2021: 136,000 patients
• 2020: 126,000 patients

"We provide Level II trauma care," said Benjamin Orozco, MD, Emergency Medicine at Gundersen. "Our services are expanding and patients are increasingly relying on us for their healthcare needs - and we say thank you. There are many causes for the increase, including a facility closure in Eau Claire and increasing volumes in our region, including places like Whitehall, Wis., and Wabasha, Minn."

2025 projections

2025 looks to be even busier. Anticipated patient volume increases in Urgent and Emergency Care for the upcoming year are projected to go up.

"First, it is important to underscore that we are here for you and well-equipped to meet your urgent and emergent care needs," said Heather Schimmers, president of the Gundersen Region of Emplify Health. "We also want to make sure patients and community members are aware of additional ways to access care. If not urgent, we encourage patients to consider establishing primary care providers, including Family Medicine, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics - often with same-day appointments."

According to Dr. Orozco, establishing a primary care provider is a connection that allows for additional access points to appointments, often helping to alleviate wait times.

"Primary care is often overlooked, and primary care provider can often offer same-day appointments, and things like prescription refills or the common cold can be handled quickly and easily," Dr. Orozco said. "Sometimes even virtual visits are an option, allowing patients to see a provider from the comfort of their homes. The idea is to make it easier to access medical advice without the need for in-person visits."

For more information about Gundersen Trauma and Emergency Services, please visit our website or contact us directly. Health-related questions or concerns should be directed to your primary care provider.