The idea is to encourage people on Medicaid and uninsured individuals to receive primary care from physicians in community clinics.
One part of the Chicago’s Urban Health Initiative involves patient advocates scheduling primary care appointments for people who come into emergency rooms with no imminent medical condition needing care. Data shows that 40 percent of patients who had appointments scheduled held those appointments in 2011, up 6 percent from 2005.
More patients using medical homes open emergency rooms for their intended purpose. The Chicago health initiative seeks to introduce patients to primary care physicians, with the hope that a long-term care relationship is established. Studies show medical homes could save tens of billions of dollars in healthcare costs.
More Articles on ERs:
Moving ED Waiting Room to Home Pleases Patients, Improves Efficiency
Patient Flow: ‘Getting On Board and Out of the Hallway’
Pediatric Patients Less Likely to Get Efficient, Urgent Care in Crowded ERs
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