title: If the face is familiar, the patient may be overusing healthcare.
abstract: Patients who use the healthcare system excessively, and often for avoidable issues, create a burden for hospitals and consume a significant portion of healthcare expenditures. Many frequent users have complex medical and psychosocial needs, are uninsured, or have behavioral health issues. Case managers should identify patients who are potential frequent utilizers and make sure they are connected with a primary care provider. Take the time to find out barriers to care and call in a social worker to help line up community resources.
mesh_terms: D019090:Case Management / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D006300:Health Services Misuse / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy / Q000639:trends; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data