National study of health insurance type and reasons for emergency department use.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The rates of emergency department (ED) utilization vary substantially by type of health insurance, but the association between health insurance type and patient-reported reasons for seeking ED care is unknown.

Objective

We evaluated the association between health insurance type and self-perceived acuity or access issues among individuals discharged from the ED.

Design, patients

This was a cross-sectional analysis of the 2011 National Health Interview Survey. Adults whose last ED visit did not result in hospitalization (n = 4,606) were asked structured questions about reasons for seeking ED care. We classified responses as 1) perceived need for immediate evaluation (acuity issues), or 2) barriers to accessing outpatient services (access issues).

Main meas

SUBMITTER: Capp R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3965734 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature