Effective Utilization of HealthCare Resources: An Educational Intervention for Adult Patients

Over the last ten years, a dramatic increase in Emergency Department (ED) visits has been prominent. Non-emergent chief complaints, such as repeat chronic care needs, are causing increased ED visits. The underutilization of primary care resources has been correlated with the overutilization of emergency care resources. ED overutilization is having a negative rippling effect on the ability of the US healthcare system to care for patients. Emergency department personnel and other resources are strained, leading to overcrowding and decreased quality of care. Health insurance and provider accessibility has been linked to the high rates of ED usage by adults age 18 – 64, with the highest rates seen in those under public health coverage, such as Medicaid, compared to those who were uninsured. To encourage primary care visits and discourage non-emergent ED usage, the United States health system includes patient education on the appropriate ED use, higher-copayment as financial disincentives, and encouragement of provider-patient relationships with Primary care providers (PCP). The public health clinics, including Federally Qualified Health Centers, provide patient education on the appropriate use of PCP versus ED resources, and offer extended office hours during evenings and weekends; trimming the rate of non-emergent ED visits can significantly reduce health care costs.