Study on ER Returns Suggests More Need for Follow-Up Care

No one wants to make a repeat visit to the emergency room for the same complaint, but new research suggests it’s more common than previously thought and surprisingly, people frequently wind up at a different ER the second time around

In this June 4, 2015 photo, Dr. Reena Duseja, lead author of a study on emergency room visits, stands in San Francisco General Hospital's emergency room in San Francisco. AP Photo/Noah Berger

WASHINGTON—No one wants to make a repeat visit to the emergency room for the same complaint, but new research suggests it’s more common than previously thought and surprisingly, people frequently wind up at a different ER the second time around.

Already some ERs are taking steps to find out why and try to prevent unnecessary returns. A Philadelphia hospital, for example, is beginning to test video calls and other steps to link discharged patients to primary care.

The new research, based on records in six states, suggests patients should be pushy about getting follow-up care so they don’t have to return to crowded emergency departments.

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