Brought to you by the WSJ:
ER times dragged out 36% longer between 1997 and 2004, according to a Health Affairs study by a gaggle of Harvard docs out today. Researchers say there’s every reason to think the trend has worsened, thanks to the closing of some ERs and increased volume at the rest, the WSJ reports.
Like most of today’s health care problems, a lack of primary care access is the root of long ER waits. With sufficient PCP access, the burden on the ER will be significantly lightened, leaving them to focus on true medical emergencies.
