Alcohol abuse, dental conditions, mental health found to be causes of avoidable US emergency visits
Date:
August 31, 2017
Source:
Oxford University Press USA
Summary:
Alcohol abuse, dental conditions, and mental health were found to be the main causes of avoidable emergency room visits in the US, a new report reveals.
A recent study published in the International Journal for Quality in Health Care found that 3.5% of all emergency department visits analysed were 'avoidable'. Of these, the top 3 discharge diagnoses were alcohol abuse, dental disorders, and mood disorders such as anxiety or depression. A significant find since 'avoidable' emergency department visits can impact the cost of health insurance, the study suggests that 'avoidable' emergency department visits could be reduced by increasing access to dental and mental health facilities.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/08/170831092653.htm
