Advocates for Evidence-Based Health Policy Speakers
Author: Emergency Medicine Residents' Association
As emergency physicians, we care for all members of society, and as such have a unique vantage point on the state of health care. What we find frustrating in our EDs – such as inadequate social services, the dearth of primary care providers, and the lack of mental health services – are universal problems. As EM residents and fellows, we learn the management of myocardial infarctions and traumas, and how to intubate, but we are not taught how health policy affects all aspects of our experience in the ED. Furthermore, given our unique position in the health care system, we have an incredible opportunity to advocate for our patients, for society, and for physicians. Yet, with so many competing interests vying for our conference education time, advocacy is often not included in the curricula. This is the gap this initiative aims to fill. Each month, you will see a review of a new health policy article and how it is applicable to emergency physicians.
The Complexities of Coverage and Access
Public insurance must be expanded, but coverage does not equal accessibility Continue Reading …
The Most Expensive Decision in Health Care
As one-third of United States’ healthcare costs are derived from hospital-based care, it is important to analyze the trends in emergency department (ED) visits and admission rates from the ED. This retrospective study focused on ED visits and ED admission Continue Reading …
Half of Increased Intensity of Care Unexplained
The drivers of the rise in complex ED visits is likely an interplay of changes in clinical practice, the growing role of the ED in treating complex conditions, the increasing complexity of our patient population, as well as thorough documentation. Continue Reading …
Docs Under-Utilizing CT Scans in Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a severe, life-threatening presentation resulting from many different clinical conditions. Because treatment and management vary significantly by the underlying cause, computed tomography (CT) imaging studies are necessary to distinguish among the potential pathologies. In a Continue Reading …
ACA Impact on Frequent Flyers in California
Frequent users of the Emergency Department (ED) often disproportionately consume a high amount of health care. However, much of the data describing this patient population is outdated as it does not account for potential changes since implementation of the Affordable Continue Reading …
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