Unnecessary emergency transport and care of grand mal seizures.
Every source quoted in this study has clearly refuted the need for emergency transport and care of an uncomplicated grand mal seizure in a managed epileptic patient. This review of a large patient population has determined that 27% of emergency department seizures were uncomplicated and occurred in patients already under care. This represented 0.25% of all emergency department visits and nearly $200,000 in claims to this managed care entity per year. Taking some statistical liberties, a national health care expenditure of $270,000,000 is suggested for this single abuse. It is hoped that further education of the public, medical community, and epileptic patients will produce a comfort level that permits decisions about emergency transport and care of seizures. These savings could translate into basic health insurance for thousands of our medically deprived citizens.
Simonson
H C
HC
Arizona Physicians IPA, Inc., Phoenix, AZ.
Pelberg
A L
AL
D000552:Ambulances / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001130:Arizona; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004830:Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic / Q000191:economics / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006300:Health Services Misuse / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D007348:Insurance, Health; D014187:Transportation of Patients / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*