Politicians should stop using emergency departments as "political footballs" and should instead understand their vital importance to patients and the challenges they face, said Andy Sama, MD, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians, in a news release.
Dr. Sama responded to a statement by former South Carolina senator Jim DeMint (R) that uninsured patients will "get better healthcare just going to the emergency room" than getting care through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, according to the release.
Dr. Sama noted that while EDs should not be used as an alternative to full health insurance, an overemphasis on perceived unnecessary ED visits also takes the focus away from the real need to reduce admissions and improve care coordination.
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