Cost is an important factor. The costs of running an ER include 24-hour staffing with highly trained doctors and nurses and technicians and expensive diagnostic and treatment equipment. Many insurance companies will no longer pay for a visit to the emergency room unless it is an absolute emergency. They wouldn't pay for an earache to be treated in an emergency room, for example. They will probably end up in the emergency room for care that could have been provided in a doctor's office or a clinic.
Timing is another important factor.
Ideally, people would practice good preventive care, have recommended health screenings and see a doctor regularly to catch illness early. This could avoid unnecessary hospitalizations and trips to the ER or to specialists. There may not be a doctor or clinic available in the community, so people put off going for care until their symptoms become an emergency. However, students need to begin to understand how the health care system works and when and how to use it. Permission is granted to reproduce for educational non-commercial uses if this message is shown.