Lower Copayments Driving Increased ED Use, Study Finds
Relatively low out-of-pocket costs for emergency department services compared with primary care services could be causing overutilization of EDs, according to a study by employee benefits management firm Highroads and the Corporate Executive Board. The study also found minimal difference in out-of-pocket costs between urgent care and primary care services, which, coupled with the longer hours of urgent care clinics, could be driving more visits to urgent care facilities than primary care physician offices.
- "Study Links Low Co-Pays To ER Use" (Payers & Providers, 5/10).