Although this patient population saw the most ED visits, patient aged 45-64 saw the highest average emergency department cost per visit at $1,696. Here is a detailed outbreak of ED utilization and costs:
Patients under 5 years
17.4 percent of total population visited ED in 2009
Average cost: $734
Patients aged 5-17
11.2 percent of total population visited ED in 2009
Average cost: $805
Patients aged 18-44
12.4 percent of total population visited ED in 2009
Average cost: 1,455
Patients aged 45-64
11.2 percent of total population visited ED in 2009
Average cost: $1,696
Patients aged 65 and over
15.7 percent of total population visited ED in 2009
Average cost: $1,306
Source: AHRQ
