ED docs say ACA won't remedy overcrowding

A new survey from the American College of Emergency Physicians found that almost 9 out of 10 emergency department doctors think that the number of ED visits will increase once the ACA is implemented (Source: “Emergency Room Doctors Say Health Law Will Make ER Crowding Worse,” NPR Health Blog, April 28, 2011).

The survey results counters the contention by many ACA advocates who say that ED overcrowding will be mitigated by coverage expansion under federal reform. The emergency doctors, however, contend that a substantial amount of ED patients are insured, but still can’t find a doctor to treat them.

According to the survey, 97 percent of ED doctors who responded to the survey said they treated Medicaid patients “daily” who couldn’t find a doctor to treat them. The same percentage said they treat patients daily who have private insurance and primary care doctors, but whose primary care physician sent them to the ED for care, presumably because the doctor’s office was closed.

"The results are significant," said ACEP President Sandra Schneider in prepared comments. "They confirm what we are witnessing in Massachusetts — that visits to emergency rooms are going to increase across the country, despite the advent of health care reform, and that health insurance coverage does not guarantee access to medical care."