Maine Quality Counts Podcast

The cost of ED utilization and the link to unnecessary ED utilization has often been addressed by trying to decrease the use of unnecessary ED visits. However, research has shown that attempts to lower ED utilization costs simply by diverting low acuity visits away from the ED may be misguided; that a focus on guiding a patient’s treatment course using risk stratification and best practice versus “risk reduction treatment” may be much more impactful.  Working to employ strategies to reduce utilization by high ED utilizers utilizing Complex Care Plans and Care Coordination also has the potential to create win-wins both in terms of reducing costs and improving patient care. This webinar will discuss these aspects of ED utilization and discuss the various ways to have the greatest impact on ED associated costs, while briefly touching on the positive effects treating patients in this way can have on provider and patient satisfaction.