Although a growing percentage of emergency department visits require immediate treatment, throughput in EDs is improving, according to Vizient’s latest “System of CARE” report, published Feb. 5.
In the first quarter of 2025, 61% of ED visits were emergent, meaning they needed immediate treatment, while the remaining 39% were urgent. The third quarter of 2025 noted a slight increase, with emergent cases accounting for 66% of ED discharges.
Despite this uptick in patient acuity, the average length of stay decreased among academic medical centers and community hospitals. In AMCs, average LOS declined 13% between the fourth quarter of 2022 and the third quarter of 2025, and the average fell 20% in community hospitals over the same time period.
EDs also increased their admission rate to inpatient units, according to Vizient, which reports a 4% annual rise in this rate.
Vizient’s report tracks national trends in throughput, access, quality and cost efficiency, with updates shared every quarter. Access it here.
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