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  • Title: ED utilization: the effect of changing demographics from 1992 to 2000.
    Author: Reeder T, Locascio E, Tucker J, Czaplijski T, Benson N, Meggs W.
    Journal: Am J Emerg Med; 2002 Nov; 20(7):583-7. PubMed ID: 12442234.
    Abstract:
    To explore factors contributing to increased emergency department (ED) utilization, this retrospective chart review compared ED visits for a 2-week period in both 1992 and 2000 at a rural, tertiary medical center. Total ED visits increased 455 between the periods (% increase = 28.6%), whereas county population increased 18,253 (% increase = 16.1%) (P < 0.005). Average age increased from 35.2 +/- 23.8 years to 40.1 +/- 23.6 years (95% confidence interval, difference of means, 3.34 to 6.45). Patients over 80 years increased by 83%, whereas those over 90 years increased 138%. The admission rate, increased from 21.9% to 25.6% (P < 0.005). Patients with Medicare as primary insurance increased from 17.9% to 23.6% (P < 0.005). Increased age of the population, increased acuity as shown by 4 different measurements, and limited access to primary care physicians all contributed to increased ED demand in this study.
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