title: Hospitals collaborate to reduce ED overuse.
abstract: ED Connections, a joint project of two competing hospitals in Lincoln, NE, has reduced the number of emergency visits by uninsured and underinsured frequent users by 56%, saving the two hospitals about $700,000 in uncompensated care costs. When patients being treated in the emergency department say they can't afford their medication or have other needs, they receive a card with the ED Connections phone number that they can call for help. When patients enroll in the program, staff conduct a psychosocial assessment and work with them to create an action plan and goals. The team works closely with patients to help them follow their plan of care.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019090:Case Management / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017046:Cost Savings / Q000379:methods; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006300:Health Services Misuse / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D008297:Male; D008483:Medical Assistance / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D017057:Medically Uninsured / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D009329:Nebraska; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D017678:Sex Distribution; D017664:Uncompensated Care / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*