MEAS – Telemedical emergency practice
Medical help whatever the problem.
MEAS is the telemedical emergency practice for
Appenzell Innerrhoden. It complements existing health services for the people of Appenzell by offering medical care in emergency situations at night, at weekends and on public holidays.
How to find MEAS
The MEAS practice is located within the Appenzell Cantonal Health Centre, Sonnhalde 2, Appenzell.
The emergency practice is clearly signposted with the words 'MEAS Telemedizinische Notfallpraxis' in a striking red droplet shape. It is lit at night to ensure that the entrance is clearly visible at all times.
Right in front of MEAS there are two short-stay parking spaces that allow you to bring patients as close to the practice as possible. Parking spaces in the blue zone are available nearby for longer stays.
MEAS opening hours
MEAS is always open when general practitioners in the canton are usually closed.
- On weeknights from 5.00 p.m. to 7.30 a.m.
- At weekends from Friday, 5.00 p.m. through to Monday, 7.30 a.m.
- On public holidays from 5.00 p.m. on the evening before through to 7.30 a.m. of the following day
In the event of a medical emergency, MEAS can be consulted directly without a prior appointment.
What the telemedical emergency practice offers
MEAS is the reliable point of contact for all medical emergencies in the canton. The telemedical emergeny practice is available to everyone, whether they live in Appenzell Innerrhoden or are visiting from Switzerland and abroad. It treats those aged 16 and above. Children and young people up to the age of 15 are triaged and directed to the appropriate unit.
How MEAS treatment works
If you experience a medical emergency and go to MEAS,
treatment can usually be accessed in three steps:
- Qualified healthcare professionals on site carry out an
initial assessment. - Next, a Medgate doctor is brought in by phone or video
call. The doctor then performs a medical assessment and
gives instructions on the next steps. - Healthcare professionals on site at MEAS carry out the
doctor’s instructions, always under the supervision of the
doctor who remains on the call.
If the necessary care and treatment cannot be provided at
MEAS, patients are triaged and referred or moved to the
appropriate unit immediately.
Questions & Answers
What is MEAS?
MEAS is a telemedical emergency practice for the local residents of Appenzell Innerrhoden, as well as guests and visitors to the canton.
What does MEAS mean?
MEAS stands for Medizinische Erstanlaufstelle – the German term for the first point of contact for medical care.
What is Medgate?
Medgate is a leading Swiss telemedicine provider and operates MEAS in cooperation with the Appenzell Cantonal
Health Centre.
medgate.ch.
What is telemedicine?
Telemedicine refers to diagnostics and therapy regardless of the geographical or temporal distance between the doctor and the patient. In telemedicine, the doctor is not physically present on site, but still there in effect by phone or video call.
Is MEAS a substitute for general practitioners or the emergency services?
Neither. MEAS is the perfect complement to the existing chain of emergency medical care, especially outside of general practitioners opening hours.
Who works on site at MEAS?
MEAS is staffed by a highly qualified team of emergency responders and emergency care professionals.
What can a doctor do via telemedicine?
A Medgate doctor is consulted for each patient treatment. The doctor will use the available information to make their own assessment of the medical problem. If necessary, the Medgate doctor can instruct MEAS staff to take blood and do lab tests, various examinations, ECGs, X-rays or other procedures. The Medgate doctors factor the lab results and X-ray findings into their analysis.
Can I go to MEAS at any time?
The emergency practice is open only when general practitioners in Appenzell Innerrhoden are generally closed: on weeknights from 5 p.m. to 7.30 a.m., and at weekends and public holidays through to 7.30 a.m. on the following day. You do not need to call ahead.
For what emergencies can I contact MEAS?
The telemedical emergeny practice is the reliable point of contact for all medical emergencies. If MEAS is unable to provide the necessary service itself, the patient will be referred to the appropriate unit immediately.
How can I call MEAS?
MEAS can be reached via the cantonal emergency number, +41 71 788 73 34, which is also staffed by Medgate. Save the number in your mobile phone right away so it is always on hand.
Management
Contact
Location
MEAS
emergency telemedicine practice
Appenzell Cantonal Health Centre
Sonnhalde 2
9050 Appenzell
T 071 788 73 34
MEAS opening hours
- On weeknights from 5.00 p.m. to 7.30 a.m.
- At weekends from Friday, 5.00 p.m. through to Monday, 7.30 a.m.
- On public holidays from 5.00 p.m. on the evening before through to 7.30 a.m. of the following day
In the event of a medical emergency, MEAS can be consulted directly without a prior appointment.
What to do in a medical emergency?
In case of acute danger to life and in case of doubt: Call the emergency services immediately!
Telephone 144
For non-life-threatening emergencies:
- Call your family doctor
- If family doctor is not available:
Go to the MEAS telemedical emergency practice
or dial the emergency telephone number
> 071 788 73 34
