Valued Voice

A new Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare report with analysis by KNG Health Consulting is highlighting the value of the 24/7 care that hospitals and health systems provide to their communities. The fact sheet discusses how nearly half of all hospital emergency department (ED) visits occur after hours, when patients have limited options for care.

Additionally, children, in particular, are more likely to receive care at an ED outside of regular business hours. Pediatric access is critical because, during the overnight hours, pediatric offices are closed, and physicians may recommend that parents seek immediate care. Some other findings include:

• Nearly half (49%) of all injury and trauma visits and two-thirds of overdose and poisoning-related ED visits occur after normal business hours
• 13% of all ED visits occur in rural areas, showing that Rural patients rely on hospital EDs to receive care

“This new analysis confirms that hospitals and health systems are the heart of 24/7 healthcare that patients count on and are indispensable access points for the communities they serve,” notes a Coalition press release on the report. “It comes at a time when many insurance companies are threatening patient access to care – whether through excessive delays and denials or advocating for so-called site-neutral Medicare cuts. These efforts fail to account for the unique, complex care that hospitals provide, particularly after hours when patients do not have access to other life-saving options.”