Contrary to goals, ER visits rise under Obamacare

[alp227]

Three-quarters of emergency physicians say they've seen ER patient visits surge since Obamacare took effect — just the opposite of what many Americans expected would happen.

A poll released today by the American College of Emergency Physicians shows that 28% of 2,099 doctors surveyed nationally saw large increases in volume, while 47% saw slight increases. By contrast, fewer than half of doctors reported any increases last year in the early days of the Affordable Care Act.

Such hikes run counter to one of the goals of the health care overhaul, which is to reduce pressure on emergency rooms by getting more people insured through Medicaid or subsidized private coverage and providing better access to primary care.

A major reason that hasn't happened is there simply aren't enough primary care physicians to handle all the newly insured patients, says ACEP President Mike Gerardi, an emergency physician in New Jersey.

full: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/05/04/emergency-room-visits-rise-under-affordable-care-act/26625571/

[arcane1]

1. Imagine if we respects health care like we respect the military

We could have nice things!

[Wilms]

2. That and one other article...

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/844196

...seem to be indicating that the medical system and the public themselves, aren't used to the coverage and how to go about using it efficiently.

If the real problem is focused on...instead of thinking it's the ACA...we could get somewhere.

[Cheese Sandwich]

3. Because more are on Medicaid now, but they can't find a doctor or specialist that will see them...

so they end up in the ER.

I like Obamacare, but this does need fixing.

[CTyankee]

4. It is not possible for everyone who suddenly has health care to find a PCP...

so they go into an emergency room...it's not the fault of Obamacare, it is just that it effects have not caught up with the reality of health care in this country...

[Historic NY]

5. Its doesn't mention day of the week or time of the day....

so It can be misleading. I don't know many Dr's working weekends outside a hospital setting or possibly an immediate care facility.

[CreekDog]

6. There are also people who probably should have gone before

but didn't because they lacked health insurance or Medicaid to deal with the resulting bills.

[zipplewrath]

7. Alot fo things all at once

You've got alot of things happening all at once here. You have people that are used to ignoring their health until it's "too late". You have people who don't really understand that doctors appointments need to be made "in advance". You almost assuredly have people in plans with VERY short doctors lists and they are having trouble even establishing a PCP, so end up at emergency rooms.

The insurance plans probably need to figure out how they can avoid many of these problems. Referral lines, "ask a nurse" and to some extent encouraging/allowing the use of "after hours" care facilities including pharmacies and "Centra Care" kinds of places.

[JCMach1]

8. It is the large deductibles...

People still go to the ER, then don't pay...

[Hangingon]

9. We use ERs because our primary care physician dissolved his traditional practice and we cannot

Afford the cost of his concierge practice. He takes no insurance or Medicare. Cannot find another pop.

[Jesus Malverde]

11. Aren't there millions of Central Americans living in the United States without coverage?..nt