With more hospitals anticipating increased emergency department use as provisions of healthcare reform are implemented, the U.S. Government Accountability Office has issued a report outlining strategies for healthcare facilities to reduce non-urgent ED use.
In 2008, the average amount paid for non-urgent visit to the ED was seven times more expensive than the amount paid for a health center visit, according to the report. The report identifies three strategies that may help reduce ED use: 1) ED diversion, 2) care coordination and 3) accessibility of services.
ED diversion
Some health centers have collaborated with hospitals to divert ED patients by providing education on the appropriate use of the ED and services offered at the health center.
Care coordination
Through improved care coordination, health centers may help reduce ED visits by encouraging patients to seek care at the health center first along with the reduction — if not prevention — of disease-related emergencies.
Accessibility of services
Since EDs are open 24 hours a day and seven days a week, health centers have increased the accessibility of their services. Many are offering evening and weekend hours while also providing same-day or walk-in appointments. This helps position the health center as a convenient and viable alternative to the ED.
Health center officials have limited data on the effectiveness of these strategies, but some officials provided anecdotal evidence that these methods have reduced ED use.
Read the GOA report on strategies to reduce ED use (pdf).
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