Hospitals Crack Down on ED Repeat Users

Health Leaders Media published an article titled: "Hospitals Crack Down on ED Repeat Users". Key points from the article were as follows:

• Case Manager Plan
• St. Luke's Hospital implemented a plan to identify those who were "frequent fliers" patients who visited the ER 12 times in 12 months.
• Many of these patients go to the ER for various reasons such as: they don't have a family doctor, they lack finances or they may be unable to make their doctor's hours.
• This hospital has estimated that they have saved about a half million dollars by not having to provide additional care and testing for these so-called "frequent fliers"
• Creating a Direct Relationship
• In Massachusetts, many of their "frequent fliers" or as they called them "MVPs" did have primary care physicians.
• The issues that these patients dealt with were more psychological, social and economic issues.
• Following the Care Plan
• Patients receive a letter if they have gone to the ER for more than 12 times.
• They make sure the patient understands the treatment program from their last Emergency Department discharge.
• Technology and Diabetes
• The article stated that in one study 11% of ED visits at two particular hospitals was for diabetic visits.
• They came to the conclusion that patients were not getting the care they needed.
• Behavioral Care and Insurers
• Lack coordination which results in a negative impact on individuals
• Changing Behavior
• The change for these Emergency Departments has shown good results
• No Cure Yet
• Although, improvements have helped at many hospitals, the problems with frequent fliers in the Emergency Department still has a long ways to go.

To download the full article, please click the following link: Hospitals Crack Down on ED Repeat Users

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