Hospitals also charged $7.2 million less because of the reduction in visits related to the morning-after pill.
From 2006 to 2020, emergency departments recorded about 48,000 visits related to emergency contraception, according to research published Jan. 26 in JAMA. After the medication entered the U.S. market, ED encounters decreased from about 17,000 to 660, and hospital charges fell from $7.61 million to about $385,900, or 95%.
This is the first study to analyze emergency contraception-related ED utilization with policy changes, and it comes at a time when the White House is working to secure access to reproductive medicines.
“Increasingly restrictive abortion access will likely drive [emergency contraception] demand to prevent unintended pregnancy,” the researchers said in conclusion, which can increase admissions and strains on the healthcare industry.
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.
