Patient education can help reduce unnecessary emergency department visits, according to an American Medical News report.
This effect was shown through research by HealthCore, a subsidiary of WellPoint. HealthCore found ED visits for nonemergency conditions decreased 17 percent in six months among 32,000 WellPoint members in Connecticut who participated in an ED intervention program and were seeking emergency care.
In the intervention program, patients received a short message about emergency care and directions to the closest ED alternative via Google Maps. The message included information on urgent care centers and walk-in clinics, such as their availability at night and on weekends and their lower cost.
Study: Reducing "Inappropriate" ED Visits May Not Save Money
Study: Most Medicaid ED Visits Caused by Serious Symptoms
This effect was shown through research by HealthCore, a subsidiary of WellPoint. HealthCore found ED visits for nonemergency conditions decreased 17 percent in six months among 32,000 WellPoint members in Connecticut who participated in an ED intervention program and were seeking emergency care.
In the intervention program, patients received a short message about emergency care and directions to the closest ED alternative via Google Maps. The message included information on urgent care centers and walk-in clinics, such as their availability at night and on weekends and their lower cost.
More Articles on ED Utilization:
Patient Navigators Could Enhance ED Resource UtilizationStudy: Reducing "Inappropriate" ED Visits May Not Save Money
Study: Most Medicaid ED Visits Caused by Serious Symptoms