By Eric Bricker
Predictors of High ER Utilization… 70% of hospitalizations begin in the emergency room (ER). Conversely, 13% of ER visits result in hospitalization.
If we want to decrease hospitalizations, then we need to decrease ER utilization. But who are the high ER utilizers?
A meta-analysis of 11 separate studies reviewed predictors of high ER utilization:
1) #PatientDemographics: Young/Middle-Aged Adults, 60-70% with no college education, lower income and poor perceived health.
2) #MentalHealth: 62-77% had prior care for depression, anxiety, bipolar and panic disorder. If a patient was a prior or current tobacco user, he or she had a 51% greater chance of being a high ER utilizer.
3) #ParticularDiagnoses: COPD, asthma, diabetes, coronary heart disease, migraines, chronic pain, prior stroke, allergies, pregnancy, previous child birth, post-partum, HIV, hepatitis C and cancer. If a patient had multiple chronic diseases, then their risk of being a high ER utilizer increase 43% with each additional chronic disease.
4) Other #HealthcareUtilization: High ER utilizers have regular outpatient office visits as well… on average 5.5 visits to PCPs and specialists per year in addition to ER visits.
So high ER utilizers are receiving fee-for-service care, but that care typically involves 8-15 minute visits that must be scheduled with 30-90 day wait times and with doctors who are not available on nights, weekends or holidays.
Perhaps, non-fee-for-service care is a better solution for keeping patients out of the ER.
Sources at AHealthcareZ YouTube Channel.
