Physicians within the American College of Emergency Physicians in San Francisco believe the increased ED visits could be related to the tough economy. “With the economy, people have lost their coverage, and given the fact the emergency department is the safety net, they come to us,” said Jay Kaplan, MD, an emergency physician at Marin General Hospital in Greenbrae, Calif., in the report.
Additionally, some emergency physicians think the fear of malpractice litigation is a cause behind the increasing costs of emergency care, according to the report.
Related Articles on Hospital Emergency Departments:
No Waiting Room, No Wait? A New ED Model at Washington’s Swedish Medical Center
Some EDs Provide Speedier Care to “VIP Patients”
80% of ED Physicians Report Increase in Patient Visits
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.