Essentia Health Announces 25% Of ER Visits Are Avoidable

As respiratory virus season approaches, Essentia Health is reminding patients to know their options for receiving care and avoiding unnecessary — and often more expensive — trips to the emergency room.

Understanding where to go for care can make a meaningful difference for patients’ health, schedules and wallets. Emergency rooms are designed for serious, potentially life-threatening conditions such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, severe injuries or uncontrolled bleeding. When patients use the emergency room for non-emergency concerns, they may face longer wait times and higher out-of-pocket costs than they would in a more appropriate care setting. When the ER is used for non-emergency concerns, it can make it harder for care teams to respond immediately to patients with the most urgent needs.

At Essentia, avoidable visits account for about 25% of all ER encounters. These are classified as non-urgent or minor visits for conditions like fever, mild sprains or ear pain.

While the emergency room is the right place for serious or life-threatening concerns, it is often the most expensive care setting for non-emergency needs. By reviewing their options before seeking care, patients may be able to avoid unnecessary ER bills while also receiving care in a setting designed for their condition.

For more information go to https://www.essentiahealth.org/