title: A possible solution to the cost explosion of the emergency department.
abstract: Once considered a source of care for major injuries and life-threatening medical conditions, the emergency department has become part primary care physician and part social worker to many Americans. This article looks at the problem of emergency room overutilization and poses some solutions to stem the rising cost of urgent care.
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Prochazka
mesh_terms: D017046:Cost Savings; D004180:Direct Service Costs; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000191:economics* / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006254:Hawaii; D006801:Humans; D011050:Policy Making; D014218:Triage