Trips to the ER are now responsible for about one-third of all hospital admissions. But statistics only begin to tell the story. The following snapshots from two contemporary emergency departments help to paint an accurate picture of the seismic transformations taking place. Life as an Inner City Level 1 Trauma Unit Joyce Farrer, ED Manager with the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, commented on the changes within her department. We've seen more people using the ED as a source of primary care.
Medical admissions are unbelievable.
These admission rates parallel national averages. Comparative data has helped the system to identify opportunities for cost reduction and performance improvement in a number of areas, including the emergency department. Reimbursement also poses increasing difficulties for Henry Ford Health System. If you don't get approval, you have to arrange for transfers. It's been a nightmare because all the hospitals are full.