A survey of 1,062 ED patients revealed the following reasons for visiting the ED:
• They believed their problem was serious — 61 percent
• They went on the advice of a provider, family member or friend — 48 percent
• They were referred by a healthcare provider — 35 percent
In addition, 33 percent of patients tried to reach their primary care physician, but only 86 percent were successful.
In a survey of 275 primary care physicians, 80 percent thought ED patients chose to go on their own and 80 percent thought patients believed they were too sick to be seen in a primary care physician’s office.
More Articles on ED Utilization:
20% of ED Patients Not Admitted to Hospital Were Referred by Physician
RWJF Releases Resource Guide for Reducing Inappropriate ED Visits
4 Process Improvement Steps to Evolve ED Care
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