Unexpected drop-offs in demand in some regions worry ED administrators.
Some EDs are noticing unexpected decreases in volume that began in the latter half of 2013. The impact has been particularly evident in the Midwest and Northeast, where there has been record cold weather, but observers are concerned that other factors could be playing a role as well. While the changes in demand could be temporary, experts worry that persistent decreases in demand for emergency services could impact staffing and other resources. In Indiana, experts note that January ED volumes were down by 10% to 15% in most facilities, compared to a year ago. And similar changes have been observed in other Midwestern hospitals. Besides record cold weather, experts suggest that other factors that could be impacting demand include the growing number of high-deductible health plans, the increasing availability of urgent care centers and other alternative care venues, an atypical viral season, and the weak economy. The numbers are difficult to analyze at this point because while some EDs are seeing decreased demand, others are seeing normal or even increased demand for emergency services.
D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D006740:Hospital Administrators; D006801:Humans; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling; D014481:United States