Contrary to popular belief, frequent emergency department users also frequently use other types of care, according to an article in Health Affairs.
The study analyzed billing data from New York City Medicaid users and found ED visits account for only a small part of super-utilizers' Medicaid costs. These frequent users also may be regular users of primary and specialty care, according to the article.
The study suggested it is super-utilizers' substantial burden of disease that causes them to seek frequent ED care, rather than their lack of utilization of other types of care. Researchers suggest policymakers should approach ED overutilization as a single symptom of a wider problem for frequent ED users.
More Articles on Capacity Management:
Streamline Admissions to Manage Capacity, Save Money
Dedicated Observation Units Could Streamline Capacity, Improve Care
Study: Busier Beds May Be Associated With Lower Mortality