Economy predicted to put more pressure on EDs.
There is nothing that you, as an ED manager, can do to improve the nation's economy, but knowing what to expect will enable you to make more informed decisions about department operations. Here is what the experts say you should expect: Your patient census is likely to increase as more people become unemployed and lose their health insurance. It will be more important than ever to improve documentation where possible, assure correct coding and billing, perform internal audits and self-disclose overpayments before Medicare/Medicaid identify them. As hospital revenues drop, expect to see a 'substantial' impact on your ability to compensate ED physicians. (For more on ED manager salaries, see the ED Management 2008 Salary Survey results enclosed in this issue.).
D004469:Economics, Hospital; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000191:economics* / Q000458:organization & administration; D014481:United States