Forty-nine percent of emergency department visits occurred outside of standard business hours, according to a Coalition to Strengthen America's Healthcare report published July 29.
In 2021, there were about 136 million ED visits in the U.S. Of those, 49%, or over 66 million, happened between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. — when physician offices and those of other providers are typically closed — with 65% of after-hour visits occurring after 8 p.m., when many urgent care clinics are likely to be closed.
"Around-the-clock ED availability is a lifesaver for many patients in these often critical situations when care cannot wait until the next day or the next available appointment when other facilities open," the report said.
Here are 7 numbers to know from the report:
1. Of patients seeking care, pediatric patients made up 21% of all ED visits and 23% of after standard business hour visits. Adults 18 to 64 comprised 61% of after-hour visits, and older adults over 65 made up 16% of after-hour visits.
2. Of the 136 million ED visits, 13% occurred in rural areas.
3. Nearly half of all injury and trauma visits, as well as two-thirds of overdose- and poisoning-related visits, occurred after business hours.