- 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
For additional billing and coding resources, please click the following link: Medical Reimbursement Resources Page