08 | 8 | 2007 Posted By Regan Zambri & Long

Emergency Rooms Getting Crowded Fast: New Study

U.S. emergency rooms are getting crowded fast, according to a study released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  America's emergency rooms are seeing 315,000 patients every day -- an unprecedented number.

Among other findings in the 32-page report:

  • "In 2005, 115.3 million visits were made to U.S. emergency rooms -- a jump of over 5 million visits from the previous year
  • In 2005, the average E.R. saw 30,000 patients
  • Only about .4% of E.R. visitors were homeless
  • The average duration of an E.R. visit was 3 hours and 20 minutes
  • Only 12% of visits resulted in a hospital admission
  • Abdominal pain, chest pain, fever and cough were leading complaints
  • About 72% of E.R. visits occurred at non-profit hospitals
  • About 15% of patients arrived by ambulance
  • 90% of visitors saw a physician, 88% saw an RN or LPN, and only 4% saw a nurse practitioner"
The report comes as the American College of Emergency Physicians is lobbying congress to pass their hoped-for "Access to EMS Act of 2007" -- legislation that calls for the creation of a bipartisan commission to study ER crowding, and for the creation of standards, guidelines and incentives to help alleviate the problems of overcrowding.  It would also increase Medicare payments for any physician who provides federally-mandated medical stabilization to indigent patients with medical emergencies.

Previously on the DC Metro Area Medical Malpractice Law Blog, we have reported on U.S. Senate efforts to ease ER overcrowding.

If you or a family member believes that you have a case involving hospital care, please contact us on-line at Regan Zambri & Long or call us at 202-463-3030 for a free consultation.  If you would like to receive our complimentary electronic newsletter, please click here.