Overuse of the Emergency Room for Non-Emergent Care

Abstract

While eliminating the overuse of the ED (Emergency Department) for non-emergencies is not completely possible there are ways that it could be reduced. Overutilization for non-emergencies lead to prolong wait times, ED overcrowding, and massive increases in healthcare spending. While this is not a new problem within the healthcare system it is a substantial one contributing to approximately $38 billion annually in the United States alone. Using various disciplines including psychology, sociology, and economics I was able to better understand why this is happening as well as research potential solutions.