Emergency Department Utilization in an Urban Community

Abstract

Utilization of emergency departments in Rochester, NY, has increased dramatically in recent years. A sample of the community's emergency department cases were classified as to whether care could have been given in an emergency department, physician's office, or could have been delayed. Only 35% of the cases were classified as needing care in an emergency department. The rate of emergency department utilization for low socioeconomic areas was six times that of high socioeconomic areas. Analysis of a community's emergency department utilization provides data for planning ambulatory services. The emergency department is only one element in the community ambulatory health system. Part of the emergency department demand may be more appropriately met in another type of ambulatory care facility.