A recent study of Oregon patients by Robert Lowe, MD, professor at Oregon Health and Science University, analyzed more than 2.7 million emergency visits in Oregon from 2001 to 2005 and applied the same research results to Washington. The study estimated that more than 18,000 patients sick enough to need hospitalization would have been denied ED care if they were Medicaid patients living in Washington.
“The Washington State Medicaid plan is flawed because it assumes that physicians know the final diagnosis when a patient walks in the door,” Dr. Lowe said in the news release.
ACEP President David Seaberg, MD, added that, “No patient should ever be in the position of having to diagnose him [or herself]. Physicians also often can’t make a diagnosis without running tests.”
Washington has said the overuse of hospital EDs by Medicaid patients has contributed to more than $21 million in excess costs per year, and instead, Medicaid patients should seek care with primary care medical homes first.
More Articles on Washington Medicaid:
Washington Medicaid Won’t Reimburse for “Unnecessary” ER Visits
Washington State Selects Medicaid Managed Care Provider
Washington State Judge Rules Against ER Limit for Medicaid Patients
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.
