PubMed · 1983 · 33 citations · 0 references
PharmacyEmergency Medical ServicesEmergency MedicineHealth Services ResearchHealthcare AdministrationPrimary CareAmbulatory Care UtilizationHealth Services UtilizationHealthcare Service UtilizationHealthcare UtilizationOutpatient Resource UtilizationResource UtilizationAccess To Emergency CareOutpatient Care UseOutpatient Care UtilizationOutpatient Resource UseOutpatient Service UseOutpatient Service UtilizationOutpatient Treatment UtilizationPatient Resource Utilization
A phenomenon well known to emergency room personnel is the high use of ER facilities by a small number of patients. In this study of 335 patients followed in outpatient specialty clinics at a university-affiliated VA medical center, 23% of the patients accounted for 73% of the ER visits. Although some patients may be abusing the system, the problem is difficult to correct because of congressional legislation that deters the VA from providing primary care. Thus, a small subset of patients with chronic medical problems who live close to the hospital are likely to continue to consume a disproportionate amount of ER resources.