Non-emergent ED use

Specialties Case Management

Published

Hello all! I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts on non-emergent use of the ED, including some of the ways you've attempted to reduce usage.

It seems that most of my repeat ED users are Medicaid. On the EHR/documentation from the various EDs, the time of the visit isn't always listed (why???), so if they're going in the middle of the night, when UC/AH are not available, it is difficult to steer pts. in that direction. Except, reminding them of what types of issues are considered an emergency vs. what could wait until the morning to get a same-day appt. or be seen in the UC/AH. It is so frustrating, especially when I have the same pts. over and over on my monthly logs.

Pt. education regarding urgent care and after-hours clinics during ED f/u PCs, plus letters mailed out to repeat ED users are two interventions I utilize.

ASHLOU

2 Posts

I live in Louisiana and the Medicaid system has various "plans" I usually notify the responsible plan and request they assign a social worker/care manager or someone to these patients. Most times the pt. doesn't know resources or the fact they are risking denial of payment of their ER visit. I think a lot of times as Case Managers we forget that these are not just our patients there other people responsible for proper utilization of resources, and we should tap into that.

Specializes in Care Coordination, Care Management.

Yes! Similar here in Ohio, but we only accept one of the Medicaid plans. I am going to be contacting them next. I've got several patients that I've done as much as I can. These pts. have been to the ED multiple times over last two months and have not responded to multiple phone calls, ever.

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