I'm looking for evidence that socialized medicine does not increase "frivolous" visits.

[OwnedByCats]

38. Ok, I lived in the UK for 10 years

so I can tell you why ER visits are not used for primary care

There was never any need for me to go to the ER for something stupid because I had a GP who I could easily see. I could either make an appointment or just show up for the walk in service they had every morning for three hours. Generally, people don't go to the ER unless it's an emergency.

There is a very good reason why this is not a problem in Britain. Here in America, for the sake of argument, say you had no insurance or money for the entire bill to see a GP at a clinic. They don't have the same obligation as emergency rooms. They don't have to take you. You can be refused for not having the money or if they don't take your insurance. The ER is different, they have to treat you regardless of your ability to pay. That is why people go to emergency rooms here, this is not a factor in the UK. You have no co-pay when you see your GP so being rejected by a clinic for monetary reasons, thus being forced to go to an ER is not an issue for the Brits.

Doctors are not hard to find, you just register with the clinic (or as they call it, "doctor's surgery&quot in your area and pick a doctor on their list of ones they have.

Absolutely no reason to go to the ER unless you're told to by your GP or it's an emergency. Some doctors there even do house calls if it's after surgery hours for things that aren't fit for the emergency room, but a doctor's help might be needed.

I find it absurd that anyone would come to the conclusion that single payer would cause non-emergency visits to the ER. NOT having single payer is what is causing so many people to do that.