UnitedHealth: $320B could be saved in next decade by reducing ED visits

Treating common conditions, including bronchitis and the flu, in primary care settings instead of emergency rooms could save health systems up to $320 billion over the next 10 years, according to UnitedHealth Group’s 2020 Sustainability Report.

Advertisement

Two-thirds of visits to hospital emergency departments by patients with private insurance are avoidable, the report said. 

The payer advocated for improved access to high-quality, low-cost care settings, and indicated that conducting procedures like joint replacement surgeries in ambulatory surgery centers instead of hospitals could save health systems $20 billion over 10 years.

UnitedHealthcare said June 10 it would delay implementing a policy that could lead to denials of emergency room claims it considered nonemergent. 

At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Register to Attend Webinar

From fragmentation to operational flow: Solving the healthcare workforce puzzle

Tuesday, August 11
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT

Presenters: Dr. Pat Hunt, QGendaAndrea Daugherty, MHA, CISSP, CHCIO, CDH-E, Arrowhead Regional Medical CenterElizabeth Lindsay-Wood, MBA, CHCIO, CDH-E, Moffitt Cancer CenterDeb Muro, El Camino HealthJohn Tejeda, D.H.A., MLS, MPAS, DFAAPA, LSSBB, FACHE, Vascular and Neuroscience Institute

Advertisement

Next Up in Care Coordination

Advertisement

Comments are closed.